What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a systematic review to compare different ways of preparing permanent teeth that have been knocked out and then replanted.
What They Found
This review included three studies involving 162 patients and 231 teeth. One study found no significant difference in tooth resorption between extra-oral and intra-oral root canal treatments for teeth dry for over 60 minutes. Another study reported a strong benefit at 48 months for teeth soaked in thymosin alpha 1 before replantation and then injected daily for 7 days, with 77% showing periodontal healing compared to 14% in the control group.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients who experience a permanent tooth being completely knocked out, this research highlights potential approaches for improving the success of replantation. While one intervention involving thymosin alpha 1 showed promising results for periodontal healing, the overall evidence is limited. Patients should always seek immediate dental care for avulsed teeth.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
The review was limited by the small number of included studies (three total), with some having a high or moderate risk of bias.