Avulsed Teeth (avulsed + tooth)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Viability of fibroblasts in a novel probiotic storage media

DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2010
E Çaglar
The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the number of viable PDL cells of avulsed teeth treated by Hank's Balanced Salt Solutions (HBSS), saline, a novel probiotic solution and milk. Thirty-six freshly extracted single-rooted human teeth with closed apices were divided into one of the four experimental groups and two control groups (N = 6 each). The positive and negative controls corresponded to 0 min and an 8-h dry time respectively. Following extraction, the coronal 3 mm of PDL tissue was scraped with a #15 scalpel to remove cells that might have been damaged. The experimental teeth were dried for 30 min followed by a 45 min immersion in one of the four experimental media. Each experimental tooth, after drying and soaking, was incubated for 30 min with a 2.5 ml solution of 0.2 mg ml,1 of collagenase CLS II and a 2.4 mg ml,1 solution of dispase grade II in phosphate buffer saline (PBS). The cells were then labelled with 0.4% Trypan blue for determination of viability. The teeth stored in positive control demonstrated the highest number of viable PDL cells followed in rank order by HBSS, saline, Lactobacillus reuteri solution and milk. There was no significant difference in the number of viable PDL cells between HBSS, milk, L. reuteri solution and saline. Within the parameters of this study, it appears that probiotic may be able to maintain PDL cell viability as HBSS, milk, or saline. [source]


Splinting duration and periodontal outcomes for replanted avulsed teeth: a systematic review

DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
Susan Elisabeth Hinckfuss
The principles of evidence-based dentistry can be used to assess whether these guidelines are based on currently-available evidence. A qualitative systematic review was conducted of relevant clinical literature to examine the evidence on splinting duration and periodontal healing outcomes. The review was constrained markedly by small sample sizes, retrospective nature of clinical audits, dissimilarities of selected studies in their design, methodology and observation periods, and lack of uniformity in terminology for outcomes. A total of 138 replanted avulsed permanent teeth pooled from four papers each reporting both short-term splinting (14 days or less) and long-term splinting (over 14 days) in accord with current clinical guidelines, were studied. The evidence for an association between short-term splinting and an increased likelihood of functional periodontal healing, acceptable healing, or decreased development of replacement resorption, appears inconclusive. The study found no evidence to contraindicate the current guidelines and suggests that the likelihood of successful periodontal healing after replantation is unaffected by splinting duration. Pending future research to the contrary, it is recommended that dentists continue to use the currently-recommended splinting periods when replanting avulsed permanent teeth. [source]


An evidence-based assessment of the clinical guidelines for replanted avulsed teeth.

DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
Part II: prescription of systemic antibiotics
The principles of evidence-based dentistry can be used to assess whether this is the best approach based on currently-available evidence. The objective of this study was to use the principles of evidence-based dentistry to answer the PICO question: (P) for a replanted avulsed permanent tooth, (I) is prescribing SAT, (C) compared with not prescribing SAT, (O) associated with an increased likelihood of successful periodontal healing after tooth replantation? Materials and methods:, A literature search was performed across four internet databases (Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library, PubMed, ISI Web of Science), for relevant citations (n = 35 702). Limiting citations to those in English and removing duplicates produced a set of titles (n = 14 742) that were sieved according to evidence-based dentistry principles. Relevant titles were selected for abstract assessment (n = 782), identifying papers for examination (n = 74). Inclusion criteria were applied and three papers (326 total teeth) met the final criteria for meta-analysis. Results:, Meta-analyses found no statistically significant difference between prescribing or not prescribing antibiotics for acceptable periodontal healing without progressive root resorption (common odds ratio = 0.90, SE = 0.29, 95% confidence intervals = 0.51,1.58). Conclusion:, The evidence for an association between prescribing SAT and an increased likelihood of acceptable periodontal healing outcome is inconclusive. This investigation of antibiotic use as defined in the clinical guidelines indicates there is inconclusive clinical evidence from studies of replanted avulsed human teeth to either contradict or support the guideline. Pending future research to the contrary, dentists are recommended to follow current guidelines in prescribing SAT when replanting avulsed teeth. [source]


Parent and caretaker knowledge about avulsion of permanent teeth

DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
Marconi Eduardo Sousa Maciel Santos
Tooth avulsion, the most severe dentoalveolar lesion, is a dental emergency. The prognosis of avulsed teeth significantly depends on prompt and efficient action at the site of the accident, thus requiring that parents or caretakers be knowledgeable about the correct management of this situation. The objective of the present study was to assess the level of knowledge of parents or caretakers concerning the management of tooth avulsion and to investigate the association between level of knowledge and schooling, monthly family income and age. We interviewed 107 parents or caretakers using a 12-item questionnaire comprising objective questions whose answers received a score from 0 to 3. The results show that 99% of those interviewed would immediately seek professional help; however, 71% did not know what avulsion was. Only 3% would use milk as storage medium and 16% would attempt replantation of the avulsed tooth. The distribution of final means for the overall level of parent or caretaker knowledge was 44.63% for score 3, 15.88% for score 2, 17.99% for score 1 and 21.47% for score 0, showing a low level of knowledge concerning tooth avulsion. Schooling, monthly family income and age were not associated with the knowledge scores for any of the 12 questions. The level of parent and caretaker knowledge concerning the management of tooth avulsion is low, without association with age, schooling and monthly family income. [source]


An audit of the time to initial treatment in avulsion injuries

DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
Betul Kargul
Good outcome requires education of the general public and non-dental professionals. Aim:, Retrospective observational survey of case records of avulsion injuries attending a dental hospital trauma clinic. Method:, Data collected included: hospital number, date of birth, gender, source of patient's referral, date of trauma, number of avulsed teeth, place of initial presentation, storage, hours till initial presentation, and initial treatment. Results:, One hundred and twenty teeth with avulsion were identified in 75 children. The mean age of the patients was 9.8 years (SD = 2.3 years) at the time of trauma with avulsions recorded in 44 (58.7%) boys and in 31 (41.3%) girls. Only 51 (42.5%) teeth were stored in an appropriate medium before attendance at any site and only 48 (40%) of the teeth were seen within 1 h. 83.3% received emergency treatment at general hospital, 89.7% in dental practice and 92.9% at dental hospital. Conclusions:, A minority of avulsion injuries were seen within the first hour and a minority were in appropriate storage medium at presentation. Geographical location plays a huge role in the time taken to reach secondary care. However, improving public and non-dental professional knowledge about tooth storage in avulsion injuries is critical to long-term prognosis of the teeth. [source]


Retrospective clinical study of 90 avulsed permanent teeth in 58 children

DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2008
Vasileios Tzigkounakis
We analyzed the documentations of a sample of patients containing 57 children who had a total of 90 avulsed teeth and were treated in Dentistry Department of Medical Faculty in Pilsen, Czech Republic, in the years between 1995 and 2005. We discovered that most frequently the children experience dental avulsion in the age between 8 and 11 years old, the most affected teeth are the upper central incisors and the most frequent causes are sports and games which are very common in these ages, in various environments, like schools, sport fields and home. The majority of the children were transferred to the Dentistry Department either quite long after the avulsion incident and without the avulsed teeth, or with the avulsed teeth which were carried in an inappropriate transport medium, indicating that there is insufficient knowledge of adult people, especially the ones who are in daily contact with children, on how to provide first aid in cases of dental avulsion. [source]


An investigation into dentists' management methods of dental trauma to maxillary permanent incisors in Victoria, Australia

DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2008
Thai Yeng
To a large extent, the management actions of the dentists involved will determine the clinical outcome and, in turn, these actions will be related to their levels of knowledge. The aim of this study was to investigate dentists' knowledge of managing traumatic injuries to maxillary permanent incisors in children. A self-completion questionnaire containing 19 questions on management methods of treating dental trauma was mailed to 693 dentists in Victoria, Australia. The response rate achieved was 61%. This survey found that some of the respondents had adequate management knowledge for the different types of traumatic injuries, while others did not have the correct information. Approximately half the dentists considered milk as the preferred extraoral storage medium of choice for avulsed teeth and a period of 7,10 days splinting after replantation. A large proportion of dentists showed inadequate knowledge with regard to understanding the biological mechanisms causing replacement root resorption (61%) and external inflammatory root resorption (74%). Overall, the respondents to this survey demonstrated only a moderate level of knowledge in management of traumatic injuries to maxillary permanent incisors in children. Continuing professional development programmes may be a means of improving this deficient knowledge base. [source]


Mechanical removal of necrotic periodontal ligament by either Robinson bristle brush with pumice or scalpel blade.

DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2007
Histomorphometric analysis, scanning electron microscopy
Abstract,,, One of the important factors accounting for successful delayed replantation of avulsed teeth is seemingly the type of root surface treatment. Removal of necrotic cemental periodontal ligament remnants may prevent the occurrence of external root resorption, which is the major cause of loss of teeth replanted in such conditions. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of two mechanical techniques for removal of root-adhered periodontal ligament. Preservation or removal of the cementum layer concomitantly with these procedures was also assessed. Forty-five roots of healthy premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes were selected. After extraction, the teeth were kept dry at room temperature for 1 h and then immersed in saline for rehydration for an additional 10 min. Thereafter, the roots were assigned to three groups, as follows: group 1 (control) - the cemental periodontal ligament was preserved; group 2 - removal of the periodontal ligament by scraping root surface with a scalpel blade (SBS); group 3 - periodontal ligament remnants were removed using a Robinson bristle brush at low-speed with pumice/water slurry (RBP). The specimens were analysed histomorphometrically and examined by scanning electron microscopy. The quantitative and qualitative analyses of the results showed that the RBP technique was significantly more effective than the SBS technique for removal of the periodontal ligament remnants adhered to root surface. Both techniques preserved the cementum layer. [source]


Knowledge of general practitioners dentists about the emergency management of dental avulsion in Curitiba, Brazil

DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2007
Vania Portela Ditzel Westphalen
Abstract,,, The prognosis of traumatized teeth in general and of avulsed teeth in particular depends on prompt and appropriate treatment. Management of traumatic injuries may be a challenge to the non-specialized dentist, as they may occur when dentists are least prepared for it. The objective of this research was to investigate the knowledge of general practitioner dentists about the emergency management of dental avulsion in Curitiba, PR, Brazil. A group of 250 professionals were interviewed. The questions were related to knowledge of how to treat traumatic avulsion of teeth. The results suggest that the level of knowledge on the management of dental avulsion of the general practitioners dentists in Curitiba is adequate. [source]


Knowledge of oral health professionals of treatment of avulsed teeth

DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2006
Nestor Cohenca
Abstract,,, The management and immediate treatment of an avulsed permanent tooth will determine the long-term survival of the tooth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of oral health professionals on the new guidelines for emergency treatment of avulsed teeth. A 12-item questionnaire was distributed among general dentists, specialists, dental hygienists and dental assistants attending Continuing Education courses at the School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, between 2003 and 2004. This study reports only on the general practitioners who comprised 83% of the participants. The results revealed an uneven pattern of knowledge among them regarding the emergency management of an avulsed tooth. Statistically significant associations were related to the participants' previous dental trauma education and their age. In conclusion, there is a need to improve the knowledge of general dentists in the current guidelines for emergency treatment of avulsed teeth. [source]


Dental therapists' experience in the immediate management of traumatized teeth

DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2006
Teresa Loh
Abstract,,, The optimal immediate management of traumatized teeth is known to be important for long-term success. One hundred and sixty-seven school dental therapists with General Certificate of Education ,Ordinary' (GCE ,O') level qualification were surveyed on their knowledge and experience on immediate management of dental trauma. The results showed only 41.2% felt comfortable with their present knowledge on the subject. A high proportion of the respondents (94.6%) indicated a need for more knowledge. All therapists concurred on the need to replant a permanent tooth and most (85.1%) agreed that this should be done within 30 min. More than half (54.8%) were not sure of the optimal storage medium for avulsed teeth. Their attitude towards acquiring knowledge in this aspect was good (80.5%) and all would take immediate action to settle appointments for trauma cases. [source]


Assessment of post-traumatic PDL cells viability by a novel collagenase assay

DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2002
Roberta Pileggi
Abstract,,,Both length of extra-alveolar time and type of storage media are significant factors that can affect the long-term prognosis for replanted teeth. Numerous studies have examined various media in an attempt to determine the ideal material for storage of the avulsed tooth. The purpose of this study was to compare the number of viable periodontium ligament (PDL) cells in different storage media using a collagenase assay. Thirty-three freshly extracted human teeth were divided into four experimental and two control groups. The positive and negative controls corresponded to 0 min and an 8-h dry time, respectively. The experimental teeth were stored dry for 30 min and then immersed in one of four media (Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), milk, saline, water) for 45 min. The teeth were then treated with dispase grade II and collagenase for 30 min. The number of viable and nonviable PDL cells was counted with a hemocytometer and analyzed. An anova demonstrated no statistically significant differences in the viability of PDL cells among saline, HBSS and milk. Within the parameters of this study, it appears that milk or saline is an equally viable alternative to HBSS for storage of avulsed teeth. [source]


Assessment of bioactive and bio-adhesive therapies to enhance stem cell attachment to root surface dentine

INTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 7 2009
M. A. Elseed
Abstract Aim, To compare bioactive and bio-adhesive therapies to enhance stem cell attachment to the root dentine of human teeth. Methodology, Dentine slabs (n = 72) were cut from the lower 3 mm of the roots of extracted human permanent teeth. The root dentine slabs were untreated, or coated with bio-adhesive, or human recombinant transforming growth factor-beta1 (hrTGF-B1), or human recombinant bone morphogenic protein-2 (hrBMP-2). The dentine slabs were placed with the root surface in contact with confluent periodontal stem cell (PSC) cultures using aseptic techniques. The cells and dentine slabs were submerged in culture media for 4, 24 and 72 h. The specimens were fixed in formalin, dehydrated and processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results, SEM micrographs at ×2000 magnification revealed PSC extensive adherence to root dentine for all of the bio-adhesive and bioactive treatments. The addition of bioactive molecules did not improve PSC attachment. Few cells attached to the negative control treatments. Conclusions, Bio-adhesive and bioactive growth factors were not needed to promote PSC attachment to the root dentine of human teeth, because it already appears to have good natural properties to promote PSC attachment. This suggests PSC can be used for the clinical replantation of avulsed teeth without the need for bio-adhesive and bioactive treatments. [source]


Interventions for treating traumatized permanent front teeth: avulsed (knocked out) and replanted

AUSTRALIAN DENTAL JOURNAL, Issue 2 2010
P Day
Background:, Dental trauma is common. One of the most severe injuries is when a permanent tooth is knocked completely out (avulsed) of the mouth. In most circumstances the tooth should be replanted as quickly as possible. There is uncertainty on how best to prepare teeth for replantation. Objectives:, To compare the effects of a range of interventions for managing traumatized permanent teeth with avulsion injuries. Search strategy:, The Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (to 28th October 2009); CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2009, Issue 4); MEDLINE (1950 to October 2009); EMBASE (1980 to October 2009); http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/;www.controlled-trials.com/ and reference lists of articles were searched. There were no language restrictions. Selection criteria:, Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs), that included a minimum follow-up period of 12 months, for interventions for avulsed and replanted permanent teeth were considered. Data collection and analysis:, Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed trial quality and the risk of bias in studies to be included. Main results:, Three studies, involving a total of 162 patients and 231 teeth were identified. Study one (with a high risk of bias) investigated the effect of extra-oral endodontics. This showed no significant difference in radiographic resorption compared with intra-oral endodontics provided at week 1 for teeth avulsed for longer than 60 minutes dry time. Study two (which had a moderate risk of bias) investigated a 10-minute soaking in thymosin alpha 1 prior to replantation and then its further use as a daily gingival injection for the first 7 days. They reported a strong benefit at 48 months (14% with periodontal healing in the control group versus 77% for the experimental group). Study three (with a high risk of bias) investigated a 20-minute soaking with gentamycin sulphate (4 × 107 U/L) for both groups prior to replantation and then the use of hyperbaric oxygen daily in the experimental group for 80 minutes for the first 10 days. They reported a strong benefit at 12 months (43% periodontal healing versus 88% for the experimental group). There was no formal reporting of adverse events. Authors' conclusions:, The available evidence suggests that extra-oral endodontics is not detrimental for teeth replanted after more than 60 minutes dry time. Studies with moderate/high risk of bias indicate that soaking in thymosin alpha 1 and gentamycin sulphate followed by hyperbaric oxygen may be advantageous. However, they have not previously been reported as interventions for avulsed teeth and need further validation. More evidence with low risk of bias is required and, with the low incidence of avulsed teeth, collaborative multicentre trials are indicated. Plain language summary:, Treatments for managing knocked out and replanted front teeth. Injuring your front teeth during childhood is common. One of the most severe injuries occurs when the tooth is knocked totally out of the mouth (avulsed). Often the best option is to replant the tooth as quickly as possible. This is true only for permanent teeth. Once replanted the tooth can heal in two ways if managed correctly. Ideally the ligament around the root reforms and the tooth can be expected to last as long as any other tooth; this is known as ,periodontal healing'. When there is too much damage to the ligament, healing occurs by bony replacement and the tooth is replaced by bone and lost over a few years. This is called ,bony healing'. Bony healing causes significant problems in the medium term for children and treatments for this are the subject of a different Cochrane review. A missing front upper tooth or teeth, as a result of not replanting an avulsed tooth or as a treatment for bony healing, can have a major effect on dental and facial ,good looks'. This can affect the individual's self-esteem and general social interaction, as well as how others think and see them. This Cochrane review investigated what treatments encourage the tooth to repair by periodontal healing. Three studies were found. The benefits of these treatments require further investigation before specific medicaments can be advised. This is because the studies had weakness in their design which may have influenced the benefits they found. The following general treatment principle can be concluded which reinforces current treatment guidelines: For teeth with little chance of periodontal healing, a root canal treatment can be carried out before the tooth is replanted without further detrimental effects. [source]


Review of recommendations for the management of dental trauma presented in first-aid textbooks and manuals

DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
Katarzyna Emerich
Proper information in first-aid textbooks and manuals should be the best way to present necessary procedures on how to act at the site of injury. The objective of this review is to report the quality of the knowledge presented in first-aid books and manuals. Methods:, We carried out a review of first-aid international textbooks and manuals available in Medical University Libraries in Poland. The inclusion criteria were all manuals on first-aid that were written for medical staff and lay persons, and were published between 1969 and 2007. All texts were screened for dental trauma treatment recommendations. Results:, Our literature review has shown that among 45 first-aid textbooks and manuals only 19 mention procedures for use in case of dental trauma. Of those texts, only 13 detail the storage media for an avulsed tooth until replantation. Conclusions:, Current, evidence-based, recommendations concerning first-aid procedures after dental trauma should be incorporated in forthcoming editions of first-aid textbooks and manuals. The guidance on procedures contained in reviewed texts is misleading. [source]


Parent and caretaker knowledge about avulsion of permanent teeth

DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
Marconi Eduardo Sousa Maciel Santos
Tooth avulsion, the most severe dentoalveolar lesion, is a dental emergency. The prognosis of avulsed teeth significantly depends on prompt and efficient action at the site of the accident, thus requiring that parents or caretakers be knowledgeable about the correct management of this situation. The objective of the present study was to assess the level of knowledge of parents or caretakers concerning the management of tooth avulsion and to investigate the association between level of knowledge and schooling, monthly family income and age. We interviewed 107 parents or caretakers using a 12-item questionnaire comprising objective questions whose answers received a score from 0 to 3. The results show that 99% of those interviewed would immediately seek professional help; however, 71% did not know what avulsion was. Only 3% would use milk as storage medium and 16% would attempt replantation of the avulsed tooth. The distribution of final means for the overall level of parent or caretaker knowledge was 44.63% for score 3, 15.88% for score 2, 17.99% for score 1 and 21.47% for score 0, showing a low level of knowledge concerning tooth avulsion. Schooling, monthly family income and age were not associated with the knowledge scores for any of the 12 questions. The level of parent and caretaker knowledge concerning the management of tooth avulsion is low, without association with age, schooling and monthly family income. [source]


Knowledge of oral health professionals of treatment of avulsed teeth

DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2006
Nestor Cohenca
Abstract,,, The management and immediate treatment of an avulsed permanent tooth will determine the long-term survival of the tooth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of oral health professionals on the new guidelines for emergency treatment of avulsed teeth. A 12-item questionnaire was distributed among general dentists, specialists, dental hygienists and dental assistants attending Continuing Education courses at the School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, between 2003 and 2004. This study reports only on the general practitioners who comprised 83% of the participants. The results revealed an uneven pattern of knowledge among them regarding the emergency management of an avulsed tooth. Statistically significant associations were related to the participants' previous dental trauma education and their age. In conclusion, there is a need to improve the knowledge of general dentists in the current guidelines for emergency treatment of avulsed teeth. [source]


Avulsion of primary teeth and sequelae on the permanent successors

DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2005
Pia Christophersen
Abstract,,, The purpose of the present study was to determine the frequency of avulsion of primary teeth and the location of the avulsed tooth in a representative population of Danish children. Also, the frequency and the type of developmental disturbances in the permanent successors were assessed and related to age at the time of injury. The material included dental records of 4238 children from three clinics in Municipal Dental Health Services near Copenhagen, Denmark. The children were born between 1 January 1983 and 31 December 2000. Thirty-five children (0.8%) were identified as having avulsed in all 44 primary teeth most frequently the maxillary incisors (89%). Thirty-three fully erupted permanent successors were included in the study, the prevalence of developmental disturbances was 30% (10 teeth). The results showed the risk of developmental disturbances in the permanent successors to be more frequent the younger the age at the time of injury (P = 0.04). Discolouration affected all 10 permanent teeth, but also hypoplasia and horizontal enamel hypoplasia were found. [source]


Assessment of post-traumatic PDL cells viability by a novel collagenase assay

DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2002
Roberta Pileggi
Abstract,,,Both length of extra-alveolar time and type of storage media are significant factors that can affect the long-term prognosis for replanted teeth. Numerous studies have examined various media in an attempt to determine the ideal material for storage of the avulsed tooth. The purpose of this study was to compare the number of viable periodontium ligament (PDL) cells in different storage media using a collagenase assay. Thirty-three freshly extracted human teeth were divided into four experimental and two control groups. The positive and negative controls corresponded to 0 min and an 8-h dry time, respectively. The experimental teeth were stored dry for 30 min and then immersed in one of four media (Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), milk, saline, water) for 45 min. The teeth were then treated with dispase grade II and collagenase for 30 min. The number of viable and nonviable PDL cells was counted with a hemocytometer and analyzed. An anova demonstrated no statistically significant differences in the viability of PDL cells among saline, HBSS and milk. Within the parameters of this study, it appears that milk or saline is an equally viable alternative to HBSS for storage of avulsed teeth. [source]


Avulsed permanent incisors: knowledge and attitudes of primary school teachers with regard to emergency management

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 5 2001
C. Blakytny
Summary. Objectives. This study was designed to examine the knowledge and attitudes of primary school teachers with regard to the emergency management of avulsed permanent incisors. Design. Data were collected by self-administered questionnaire. Setting. The study was conducted in primary schools lying within a 2-mile radius of the University Dental Hospital, Cardiff. Sample and methods. A total of 388 teachers in 31 participating schools were asked to complete a questionnaire, which was subsequently collected by two of the authors (CS and AT). Results. Two hundred and seventy-four teachers returned completed questionnaires, a response rate of 70·6%. One hundred and eighty-one respondents (60·1%) had received no advice about the emergency management of dental avulsion. Of the 133 teachers (48·5%) who possessed a first aid certificate, 39 (29·3%) had been given relevant advice as part of this training. Less than one-third of respondents (85 (31%)) cited an optimum extra-oral time of 30 min or less, with only 43 (15·7%) considering that this should be 10 min or less. However, 125 (45·6%) knew milk to be the best transport medium. Two hundred and four teachers (74·5%) stated that they would not be prepared to replant an avulsed tooth themselves, 133 (80%) basing this decision on lack of expertise and training. Two hundred and sixty-two teachers (95·6%) expressed a desire for further information. Conclusions. The majority of respondents possessed, at best, rudimentary knowledge of the emergency management of dental avulsion. Teachers, and other individuals who supervise children in schools, should receive simple instruction in dental first aid. [source]


Interventions for treating traumatized permanent front teeth: avulsed (knocked out) and replanted

AUSTRALIAN DENTAL JOURNAL, Issue 2 2010
P Day
Background:, Dental trauma is common. One of the most severe injuries is when a permanent tooth is knocked completely out (avulsed) of the mouth. In most circumstances the tooth should be replanted as quickly as possible. There is uncertainty on how best to prepare teeth for replantation. Objectives:, To compare the effects of a range of interventions for managing traumatized permanent teeth with avulsion injuries. Search strategy:, The Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (to 28th October 2009); CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2009, Issue 4); MEDLINE (1950 to October 2009); EMBASE (1980 to October 2009); http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/;www.controlled-trials.com/ and reference lists of articles were searched. There were no language restrictions. Selection criteria:, Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs), that included a minimum follow-up period of 12 months, for interventions for avulsed and replanted permanent teeth were considered. Data collection and analysis:, Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed trial quality and the risk of bias in studies to be included. Main results:, Three studies, involving a total of 162 patients and 231 teeth were identified. Study one (with a high risk of bias) investigated the effect of extra-oral endodontics. This showed no significant difference in radiographic resorption compared with intra-oral endodontics provided at week 1 for teeth avulsed for longer than 60 minutes dry time. Study two (which had a moderate risk of bias) investigated a 10-minute soaking in thymosin alpha 1 prior to replantation and then its further use as a daily gingival injection for the first 7 days. They reported a strong benefit at 48 months (14% with periodontal healing in the control group versus 77% for the experimental group). Study three (with a high risk of bias) investigated a 20-minute soaking with gentamycin sulphate (4 × 107 U/L) for both groups prior to replantation and then the use of hyperbaric oxygen daily in the experimental group for 80 minutes for the first 10 days. They reported a strong benefit at 12 months (43% periodontal healing versus 88% for the experimental group). There was no formal reporting of adverse events. Authors' conclusions:, The available evidence suggests that extra-oral endodontics is not detrimental for teeth replanted after more than 60 minutes dry time. Studies with moderate/high risk of bias indicate that soaking in thymosin alpha 1 and gentamycin sulphate followed by hyperbaric oxygen may be advantageous. However, they have not previously been reported as interventions for avulsed teeth and need further validation. More evidence with low risk of bias is required and, with the low incidence of avulsed teeth, collaborative multicentre trials are indicated. Plain language summary:, Treatments for managing knocked out and replanted front teeth. Injuring your front teeth during childhood is common. One of the most severe injuries occurs when the tooth is knocked totally out of the mouth (avulsed). Often the best option is to replant the tooth as quickly as possible. This is true only for permanent teeth. Once replanted the tooth can heal in two ways if managed correctly. Ideally the ligament around the root reforms and the tooth can be expected to last as long as any other tooth; this is known as ,periodontal healing'. When there is too much damage to the ligament, healing occurs by bony replacement and the tooth is replaced by bone and lost over a few years. This is called ,bony healing'. Bony healing causes significant problems in the medium term for children and treatments for this are the subject of a different Cochrane review. A missing front upper tooth or teeth, as a result of not replanting an avulsed tooth or as a treatment for bony healing, can have a major effect on dental and facial ,good looks'. This can affect the individual's self-esteem and general social interaction, as well as how others think and see them. This Cochrane review investigated what treatments encourage the tooth to repair by periodontal healing. Three studies were found. The benefits of these treatments require further investigation before specific medicaments can be advised. This is because the studies had weakness in their design which may have influenced the benefits they found. The following general treatment principle can be concluded which reinforces current treatment guidelines: For teeth with little chance of periodontal healing, a root canal treatment can be carried out before the tooth is replanted without further detrimental effects. [source]