Avulsion Storage Medium — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyPaediatric DentistryAvulsion Storage MediumORE Part 1

A child sustains avulsion of a permanent maxillary incisor. Immediate replantation is not possible and milk is unavailable. Which is the most appropriate medium in which to transport the tooth to a dentist?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — The child's saliva in a clean container

Explanation lettering: E = shown as B · B = shown as C · C = shown as D · D = shown as E

A is correct. For an avulsed permanent tooth that cannot immediately be replanted, UK NHS advice is to transport it in milk or saliva; when milk is unavailable, the child can spit into a clean container and the tooth can be placed in the saliva. This helps prevent desiccation of periodontal-ligament cells while urgent dental care is arranged. Tap water is unsuitable because its low osmolality damages periodontal-ligament cells. Orange juice and antiseptic mouthwash are unsuitable non-physiological liquids and may harm cells. Wrapping the tooth in dry tissue permits desiccation and worsens prognosis. The tooth should be handled by the crown, not the root, and a primary tooth must not be replanted.

Reference: NHS. Knocked-out tooth. Last reviewed 06 February 2025. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/knocked-out-tooth/