Avulsed teeth

With the advent of mouthguards this is now less common. The prognosis for long term viability of a tooth after reimplantation is inversely proportional to the length of time the tooth is out of the socket. The treatment of choice is to immediately re-implant the tooth and stabilise it as soon as possible.

The highest level of success is achieved if the tooth is put back in the socket immediately but there is a window of opportunity of up to 24 hours. The most important factor is the preservation of the periodontal ligament of the tooth so the tooth should be held by the crown and not the root. The root must not be scrubbed as this will damage the delicate cells of the periodontal ligament which could result in failed re-implantation, root resorption or ankylosis. If possible, re-implant the tooth into the socket. If this is not possible, then place it in a sterile container in the patient’s own saliva or in normal (0.9%) saline). The player should see a dentist as soon as possible after a tooth is avulsed or if there are loose teeth but no suspected facial fracture

If an avulsed tooth cannot be found, it should be assume to have been aspirated (which the player may not be aware of or have any symptoms from) and review arranged in an emergency department.