Lost Teeth

Teeth that are moved from their normal position but are still connected by soft tissue are called "extruded." These extruded teeth can be displaced:

Teeth that have been displaced should be manipulated back into their original position in the alveolus (socket) and then stabilized.

Stabilize the teeth using stomahesive. (See pictures)

Recommend a soft diet, and then refer the patient to a dental officer as soon as possible.

Teeth that have been moved completely out of the mouth are described as "avulsed."

A tooth can often be successfully reimplanted if the socket is generally intact and the tooth out of the socket for no longer than about 30 minutes.

If reimplantation seems like a good risk, rinse off any debris from the tooth, but don't scrape the roots. Remove the clot and any bone or tooth fragments from the mouth and socket. Position the tooth in the socket in what seems like the correct position. Press firmly enough to reseat it properly. Cut and apply stomahesive to hold the tooth in place.

Depending on the circumstances, you may need to control pain, hemorrhage and infection following extrusion or avulsion of a tooth.

Avulsed Tooth

Lingual Displacement (toward the tongue)

Facial Displacement (toward the cheek)

Intruded Displacement (into the socket)

Extruded Displacement (out of the socket)

Stomahesive Application

Cut the Stomahesive to the desired length.

Apply to the area needing support.

Inspect to assure proper splinting.

From "Dental Emergencies" Volume 803673 DN
Naval School of Health Sciences, December, 1995

For additional information, read:

"Dental Emergencies" in the General Medical Officer Manual.

"Oral Diseases and Injuries" in the Hospital Corpsman 1 and C Manual.

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