If Hank's solution is not available, which storage medium is acceptable for an avulsed tooth?

If Hank's solution is not available, which storage medium is acceptable for an avulsed tooth?

• A. Hank's Balanced Salt Solution is the optimal storage medium
• B. Cold low-fat milk is an acceptable alternative
• C. Distilled water is best
• D. Dry gauze is recommended

Answer: (B)

Preserving the viability of the periodontal ligament cells on an avulsed tooth during the extraoral period is the main idea. Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution is the gold standard because it mirrors the body's fluid environment and provides ions that help keep cells alive. If Hank’s solution isn’t available, cold low-fat milk is the best practical alternative. Milk has an osmolarity closer to body fluids and contains nutrients that help maintain cell viability and keep the tooth moist, which slows cell death and desiccation. It’s readily available in many settings and is more protective than other household options. Distilled water isn’t suitable because it’s hypotonic; it can cause cells to swell and rupture, damaging the PDL tissue. Dry gauze isn’t a storage medium at all—it dries out the tooth and its tissues, compromising viability. In short, when Hank’s solution can’t be used, cold low-fat milk is the most appropriate available option to preserve the tooth until replantation or professional care.

Preserving the viability of the periodontal ligament cells on an avulsed tooth during the extraoral period is the main idea. Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution is the gold standard because it mirrors the body's fluid environment and provides ions that help keep cells alive.

If Hank’s solution isn’t available, cold low-fat milk is the best practical alternative. Milk has an osmolarity closer to body fluids and contains nutrients that help maintain cell viability and keep the tooth moist, which slows cell death and desiccation. It’s readily available in many settings and is more protective than other household options.

Distilled water isn’t suitable because it’s hypotonic; it can cause cells to swell and rupture, damaging the PDL tissue. Dry gauze isn’t a storage medium at all—it dries out the tooth and its tissues, compromising viability.

In short, when Hank’s solution can’t be used, cold low-fat milk is the most appropriate available option to preserve the tooth until replantation or professional care.