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Dentistry · Dental trauma
Sample itemWhat is the appropriate first action after avulsion of a permanent tooth when the patient is medically stable?
Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.
The answer and the reasoning
C. Seek urgent dental assessment and keep the tooth moist in a suitable medium
A permanently avulsed tooth is a dental emergency; rapid professional assessment and appropriate moist storage can help preserve periodontal ligament cells, while handling the crown rather than the root limits further damage.
Option by option
A. Store the tooth dry in tissue for several hours
Dry storage for hours reduces the chance of successful replantation.
B. Discard the tooth because replantation is never considered
Replantation may be considered for permanent teeth in appropriate circumstances.
C. Seek urgent dental assessment and keep the tooth moist in a suitable medium (correct)
Correct: urgent care and suitable moist storage support possible replantation.
D. Scrub the root vigorously with a brush
Scrubbing the root can damage periodontal ligament cells.
Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.