If a tooth is knocked out in an accident, it does not have to be lost forever. It can usually be replanted back into the jaw. But the sensitive root membrane must not be allowed to dry out. Teeth that have been knocked out must therefore be searched for immediately and stored properly:
- In a special tooth rescue box, the cells of the root skin survive up to 2 days at room temperature. This is due to the special cell nutrient medium. Nevertheless, the dentist should be consulted immediately. If this is not possible in exceptional cases, the tooth should be transferred to a fresh tooth rescue box after 24 hours. The unopened tooth rescue box is stored at room temperature, has a shelf life of up to 3 years and should not be missing in schools, kindergartens, sports clubs, gyms, swimming pools and families with children.
- If no rescue box is available at the scene of an accident, cold UHT milk helps. However, it delays cell death only a few hours.
- Wrapping in plastic wrap prevents the root skin from drying out.
- Storage in isotonic saline is even more limited. Repositioning in the cell nutrient medium of the tooth rescue box should be done as soon as possible. After reinsertion of the tooth, an antibiotic may be needed for 7-10 days and tetanus immunity should be checked. It is essential to take exemplary care of the replanted tooth. It does not require special care – for proper healing, the tooth must have “something to do”.
