If a permanent tooth is knocked out, what is the recommended immediate action?

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, what is the recommended immediate action?

• A. Reinsert the tooth immediately
• B. Rinse with water and discard
• C. Put the tooth in milk and seek dental care
• D. Wait 24 hours to see if it reimplants

Answer: (C)

When a permanent tooth is knocked out, preserving the tooth and its surrounding tissues long enough to get professional help is the key idea. Milk helps keep the periodontal ligament cells viable and provides a more protective, isotonic environment than plain water, which can be damaging to cells. Keeping the tooth moist in milk buys time and improves the chance of successful reattachment when dental care is sought promptly. Gently rinsing off visible debris with clean water without rubbing is reasonable, but avoid scrubbing or drying the tooth. If feasible, reinserting the tooth into the socket immediately can be ideal, but if that isn’t practical, placing it in milk and seeking urgent dental care offers the best balance of tooth preservation and timely treatment.

When a permanent tooth is knocked out, preserving the tooth and its surrounding tissues long enough to get professional help is the key idea. Milk helps keep the periodontal ligament cells viable and provides a more protective, isotonic environment than plain water, which can be damaging to cells. Keeping the tooth moist in milk buys time and improves the chance of successful reattachment when dental care is sought promptly. Gently rinsing off visible debris with clean water without rubbing is reasonable, but avoid scrubbing or drying the tooth. If feasible, reinserting the tooth into the socket immediately can be ideal, but if that isn’t practical, placing it in milk and seeking urgent dental care offers the best balance of tooth preservation and timely treatment.