NOLS Wilderness Medicine Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Practice Exam & Study Guide

The immediate action recommended for an avulsed (knocked-out) tooth is to attempt to re-implant it as soon as possible, as the tooth may be saved if this is done promptly. Time is crucial in this scenario; if the tooth is placed back in its socket within 30 minutes, there is a higher likelihood that it will survive and remain functional in the future.

When you handle an avulsed tooth, it is essential to grasp it by the crown and avoid touching the root, as this can damage the cells that are necessary for re-implantation. If re-implantation is not immediately possible, the next best option is to store the tooth in a suitable medium, such as a glass of milk or saline, which helps preserve the vitality of the tooth’s root cells until professional dental care can be obtained.

This approach increases the chances of a successful reinsertion and eventual treatment by a dentist, highlighting the importance of prompt action following an avulsion. Other options, such as leaving the tooth out or placing it in water, do not provide the same chances for saving the tooth and are therefore not advisable.