Rationale for treatment and management of avulsed teeth.

Fifteen hours after the patient's tooth was avulsed in a bicycle accident, replantation procedures began. This case presents a process of replantation and its success. An avulsed tooth is a traumatic experience. Replantation is often of psychological value. Although the possibility of the eventual loss of the tooth should be explained to the patient, replantation reduces the traumatic effect of the accident. It also has clinical value. Successful replantation results in prolonged retention which will improve esthetic appearance, arch form, chewing, enunciation, and integrity of the arch. Use of calcium hydroxide in avulsed teeth has allowed the rate of replantation success to increase greatly. It is a practical technique that is scientifically sound, has many positive indications, and has provided an invaluable service to patients.