VB
Vikas Bhardwaj
Medical Technologist, AIIMS New Delhi
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
**Core Concept**
The management of an avulsed tooth involves a combination of immediate first aid, transportation of the tooth in a suitable medium, and subsequent dental evaluation. The primary goal is to preserve the vitality of the periodontal ligament cells, which are essential for the long-term survival of the tooth.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct management involves the transportation of the avulsed tooth in a suitable medium, such as milk or a commercially available transport medium, to preserve the periodontal ligament cells. This is because the periodontal ligament cells are sensitive to drying and can be damaged or killed if exposed to air for an extended period. Milk is an effective medium for transporting avulsed teeth because it provides a stable pH and maintains the viability of the periodontal ligament cells.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Immediate replantation of the avulsed tooth without proper evaluation and stabilization is not recommended, as it can lead to damage to the periodontal ligament cells and compromise the long-term survival of the tooth.
**Option B:** Using water as a transport medium is not ideal, as it can cause the periodontal ligament cells to become damaged due to the change in osmotic pressure.
**Option C:** Delaying dental evaluation for an extended period can lead to the death of the periodontal ligament cells, making it challenging to replant the tooth successfully.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A mnemonic to remember the steps in managing an avulsed tooth is "Milk, Mouth, Monitor": Milk for transportation, Mouth for stabilization, and Monitor for dental evaluation.
**Correct Answer:** C. Delaying dental evaluation for an extended period can lead to the death of the periodontal ligament cells, making it challenging to replant the tooth successfully.