Pt. 20 yrs. fall on his maxillary central tooth was more than 60 min, what should do to make the tooth vital inside the socket:
- A. Sodium sulfate
- B. Sodium chloride = (Normal Saline)
- C. Sodium hydrate
Out of the options provided, the most suitable choice to try and maintain the vitality of the avulsed (knocked-out) maxillary central incisor after a fall exceeding 60 minutes would be:
B. Sodium chloride (Normal Saline)
Here's why:
- Sodium sulfate and sodium hydroxide are not recommended for this purpose. Sodium sulfate is not commonly used in dentistry and can have irritating properties. Sodium hydroxide is a strong base and can damage the delicate tissues of the tooth and surrounding structures.
- Normal saline is a sterile solution with a similar salt concentration to human blood. This makes it a safe and appropriate medium to store the avulsed tooth while seeking immediate professional dental care. Immersing the tooth in normal saline helps maintain hydration and prevents the drying out of the periodontal ligament cells (cells surrounding the tooth root), which are crucial for tooth replantation success.
Additional Steps:
Additional steps to maximize the chances of successful replantation:
- Time is critical:
The sooner the avulsed tooth is replanted, the higher the chances of survival. Ideally, seek dental care within 60 minutes of the incident.
- Handle the tooth carefully:
Avoid touching the root surface and hold the tooth by the crown. If dirty, gently rinse with normal saline or milk (not water).
- Transport the tooth properly:
Store the avulsed tooth in a container with normal saline and keep it cool, but not freezing. Alternatively, place the tooth back into the socket (if possible) and gently bite down on a gauze pad to stabilize it.
Remember, attempting replantation at home is not recommended. Always prioritize seeking immediate professional dental care after an avulsion incident. The dentist will assess the tooth's condition, clean it thoroughly, and determine the best course of action for replantation or other treatment options.
