Should an avulsed tooth be cleaned vigorously before being placed in its socket?

In the case of an avulsed tooth, it is crucial to avoid vigorous cleaning before attempting to reposition it in its socket. The periodontal ligaments, which are essential for the tooth's reattachment, can be damaged by aggressive cleaning, thus reducing the chances of successful re-implantation.

If the tooth is dirty, it is recommended to rinse it gently under running water or store it in saline or milk rather than scrubbing it. This way, any debris can be removed without harming the delicate tissue that helps anchor the tooth. Ensuring that the tooth is kept moist is vital, as it significantly increases the likelihood of a successful reinsertion.

Hence, cleaning the tooth vigorously contradicts the best practices for handling an avulsed tooth, reinforcing the importance of handling such situations with care to preserve the integrity of the periodontal ligaments and maximize the chances of saving the tooth.