Recent advances in transport medium for avulsed tooth: A review

Abstract

Avulsion is one of the most severe types of traumatic injuries seen during childhood and adolescence. Apart from physical trauma, it also causes psychological trauma to the affected child. Immediate replantation is very essential for the long-term survival of teeth. However, when immediate replantation cannot be accomplished, the medium in which the tooth is stored becomes very important. The life of the avulsed tooth may be extended by the prevention of desiccation of periodontal ligament fibers by the usage of appropriate storage media. The choice of an ideal storage medium is essential for maximum preservation of traumatized periodontal ligament fibers of avulsed teeth; this also decides the success of the replanted tooth and long-term prognosis. A number of natural and synthetic storage mediums have been studied till date. This review discusses some recent additions in storage media for avulsed teeth. It reviews the characteristics of some less discussed storage media, which would help us to increase awareness among the health-care workers and broaden their horizon. This would, in turn, help them in reducing extraoral dry time of the avulsed tooth in case of emergencies. This review mainly focuses on less commonly discussed storage media for avulsed teeth and the effect of different properties of these media on their efficacy.