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An avulsed tooth is defined as a tooth that has been completely knocked out of its socket. This typically occurs due to trauma or injury, such as a sports accident or a fall. In dental emergencies, it is crucial to handle an avulsed tooth properly to increase the likelihood of successful reattachment. The immediate steps usually involve keeping the tooth moist, ideally in saline or the person's own saliva, and seeking prompt dental care.

While other options describe different dental issues, they do not meet the definition of an avulsed tooth. A discolored tooth refers to changes in color often due to staining or damage, but it remains in place. A decayed tooth that is beyond repair, while in need of extraction, has not been completely removed yet. A cracked tooth involves structural damage without necessarily being dislodged from its socket. Thus, the definition of avulsion specifically relates to the complete loss of the tooth from its supporting structures.