Technique Tips: Replantation and Stabilization of Avulsed Permanent Teeth

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are common, affecting almost 1 in 10 children with permanent incisors and, unlike dental caries, are not associated with socioeconomic status.^1,2 It is suggested that one billion living people have sustained some form of TDI.³ Those who have suffered one TDI may be susceptible to repeat injury.⁴ TDIs to the anterior dentition, which occur during the period of root formation, may have implications for the health and longevity of the affected teeth and, subsequently, for the dental and social experiences of the children affected. Avulsion injuries, or the complete displacement (knocking out) of a tooth from its socket, account for 0.5–3% of TDIs affecting the permanent dentition.⁵ The most commonly affected teeth are the maxillary central incisors, which are most frequently traumatized at ages 7–9 years, at a time when apexogenesis and root development is underway.⁶