Avulsion and Replantation in Primary Dentition - A Review

Avulsion of a primary tooth is a disturbing type of traumatic injury occurring in children. Paediatric dentists are likely to encounter a child with an avulsed primary tooth routinely in their clinical practice. Tooth avulsions are common in permanent teeth. However, avulsions can be seen even in primary teeth. The question of replantation of the avulsed tooth has been a focus of debate and controversy since years. The primary and most important factor in these injuries is to calculate the riskbenefit ratio keeping the underlying permanent tooth in mind. Utmost importance has to be given on the care of development and normal eruptive movements of the succedaneous tooth. This is mandatory if any treatment like replantation is to be done. The amount of primary root resorption, stage of development of the underlying permanent tooth, type of splinting to be done etc. needs a lot of attention. Many authors have given their opinions regarding the replantation of primary teeth based on the type of tooth avulsed. Moreover, the evidence might differ as to whether or not replantation might alter the difficulty levels for the eruption process of succedaneous tooth. There is not much evidence regarding the benefits and risks of replantation post avulsion of primary teeth. However, individual authors have reported a successful outcome in their case reports. This article reports a review on avulsed primary teeth replantation. This would enable the dentists to analyze the risks and benefits associated with replantation, thereby guiding them to arrive at the best clinical decision. KEY WORDS Primary Tooth, Avulsion, Replantation.