A tooth that has been completely knocked out of its socket is called:

A tooth that has been completely knocked out of its socket is called:

• A. Luxated
• B. Avulsed
• C. Intruded
• D. Displaced

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is avulsion. When a tooth is completely knocked out of its socket, the correct term is avulsion—the tooth is entirely displaced from the alveolar socket. This is different from luxation, where the tooth is still in the socket but loosened or moved; intrusion, where the tooth is driven into the bone; and a general term like displacement, which doesn’t specify whether the tooth left the socket. Avulsion is a dental emergency, especially for permanent teeth, because prompt replantation offers the best chance to save the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown, avoid touching the root, rinse gently if dirty, and seek urgent care; if you can’t replant immediately, store the tooth in milk or sterile saline and go to a dentist as soon as possible.

The main idea here is avulsion. When a tooth is completely knocked out of its socket, the correct term is avulsion—the tooth is entirely displaced from the alveolar socket. This is different from luxation, where the tooth is still in the socket but loosened or moved; intrusion, where the tooth is driven into the bone; and a general term like displacement, which doesn’t specify whether the tooth left the socket. Avulsion is a dental emergency, especially for permanent teeth, because prompt replantation offers the best chance to save the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown, avoid touching the root, rinse gently if dirty, and seek urgent care; if you can’t replant immediately, store the tooth in milk or sterile saline and go to a dentist as soon as possible.