RE-CONNECTING A LOST SMILE: THE JOURNEY OF TOOTH REPLANTATION

Shagun Chhikara*, Naveen Manuja, Seema Chaudhary, Chaitra T. R. and Ashish Amit Sinha

ABSTRACT

Tooth avulsion is a severe traumatic injury in which a tooth is completely displaced from its socket. This results in the loss of blood supply to the pulp and exposes the periodontal ligament cells to external conditions. This case report highlights the rare but successful replantation of a primary tooth preserved in milk, emphasizing the potential for favorable long-term outcomes. It challenges traditional reluctance in clinical practice, offering valuable evidence for managing pediatric dental avulsions. This case report describes the successful management of an avulsed primary maxillary central incisor in a 4-year-old male patient, who suffered a traumatic dental injury to the anterior maxillary region from an accidental fall. The tooth had an extraoral time of 20 minutes and was preserved in milk. Clinical examination revealed an avulsed tooth 51 that was replanted and stabilized in place with splinting. Single visit Pulpectomy was completed five days post-replantation. Follow up was done at regular intervals of one, three, six months and 1 year showed a lack of clinical signs and symptoms and no resorption on radiographic interpretation. Prompt replantation and proper storage of an avulsed primary tooth can lead to successful outcomes, even with short extra-oral time. Early intervention and regular follow-up are key to preventing complications.

Keywords: Tooth avulsion; Primary incisors; Dental trauma; Tooth replantation.