The treatment of avulsed teeth

More than 2 million teeth are accidentally avulsed each year in the United States. Most of the victims are children. Almost all of these teeth can be saved if the proper treatment is instituted. Regardless of the frequency with which it occurs, every pediatric health care provider must be prepared for patients who have avulsed teeth. By instituting the proper treatment, the provider may help to save a victim's tooth, thus saving the family and child the expense of dental treatment and the possible psychologic problems associated with false teeth. Each health care provider should take the following steps: 1. Inform all health care personnel that avulsed teeth can and should be saved. 2. Teach all health care personnel what action should be taken if a tooth is avulsed. 3. Fabricate or purchase tooth-preserving devices such as the Emergency Tooth Preserving System, which can safely store, preserve, and transport avulsed teeth. 4. Place these tooth-preserving devices at strategic locations such as in emergency kits or at nurses' stations.