Immediate autotransplantation of third molars: an experience of 57 cases

Autogenic Molar Transplantation of Third Molar with Complete Root Formation Versus Incomplete Root Formation: A Prospective Clinical Study

Introduction

The aim of the study was to assess and compare the efficacy of autotransplantation of molars with complete and incomplete root formation, by checking the viability of the procedure to replace non-restorable molar teeth in the extraction sockets.

Materials and Methods

Twenty patients with non-restorable molars were included in this study. They were divided into two groups with complete and incomplete root-formed third molars, which needed to be transplanted in place of non-restorable molars. A routine surgical procedure was performed to remove infected molars. Atraumatic removal of the third molar was performed and reimplanted in the socket of previously extracted infected molars.

Results

Results were evaluated based on clinical observation and radiographic analysis of the transplanted tooth. Out of 20 transplants, one transplant, despite good initial stability, was extracted after one month because of abnormal horizontal and axial mobility; this was the single failure case (5%). Of the rest, 19/20 (95%) transplants were followed up for 6 months and showed no failure.

Conclusion

This study clearly indicated that the benefits of autotransplantation over other treatment options are numerous, and the results are not affected by whether the root of the transplanted tooth is complete or incompletely formed.

Retrospective Follow-up Assessment of Risk Variables Influencing the Outcome of Autologous Tooth Transplantation

INTRODUCTION

This retrospective study aimed to identify which patient-, donor tooth-, recipient site-, and surgical procedure-related variables may influence the outcome of tooth autotransplantation.

METHODS

The sample included 128 autotransplants performed in 122 patients. Single-visit clinical/imaging examinations were used to define the outcome as successful, survival, or failure. The association of potential indicators with the survival or failure categories was analyzed individually and adjusted for confounders through multivariate logistic regression models.

RESULTS

After a follow-up period of 1 to 30.11 years, success was achieved in 71.8% of autotransplants, whereas the survival and failure groups had rates of 14.1% each, and the grouped success/survival rate reached 85.9%. An extraoral time >15 minutes and difficult handling/placement were strong/independent risk covariates for survival and failure categories (odds ratio >1, P < .05). Additionally, unerupted/partially erupted status of the donor tooth was a significant indicator for survival, whereas deficient bone level at the recipient site, surgical extraction, poor initial stability, and lack of prophylactic antibiotics were independently linked to failure (odds ratio > 1, P < .05). The root morphology and socket status acted as modifiers of the effect of the recipient site location on the survival group (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this study, unerupted/partially erupted status of the donor tooth, surgical extraction, total extraoral time >15 minutes, deficient recipient's bone level, difficult handling/placement of the autotransplant, poor initial stability, and lack of prophylactic antibiotics during the surgical procedure must be considered with caution when performing autotransplantation because of their deleterious influence on the outcome.

New Perspectives in Third Molar Auto-Transplantation: Literature Review and a Case Report of Clinical, Financial and Forensic Implications

Third molar extraction is the most common procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Third molars are considered less functional than other teeth and are often extracted. Sometimes, they are also used for auto-transplantation for the benefit of oral rehabilitation. Since many biological factors are involved in this surgical approach, herein, we outline a review of the biological characteristics of medico-legal/forensic interest, in addition to presenting a successful clinical case. A scoping review of currently available research data (following the principles of PRISMA-ScR or the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) on third molar auto-transplantation was conducted by drawing upon the main databases (Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar and LILACS) to evaluate biological and clinical characteristics possibly relatable to forensic issues. All the collected data were summarized and elaborated on for the purpose of this article. A patient underwent extraction of the right upper first molar and auto-transplantation of the unerupted ipsilateral third molar. Many biologic and clinical factors are involved in the success of this clinical procedure. Knowledge of third molar anatomy, of its development and viable surgical approaches are all essential elements; just as important are the treatment of the tooth before and after transplantation and the integrity of the periodontal ligament. Follow-up of the clinical case for 5 years made it possible to verify the stability of the procedure over time. Third molar auto-transplantation is feasible and cost-effective. However, the use of third molars as donor teeth in auto-transplantation may have medico-legal implications. The lack of official protocols and consistent evidence-based guidelines for operators still prevent such a procedure from becoming mainstream; therefore, it is viewed with suspicion by clinicians and patients, even though the biological factors herein detected point to a reasonably high degree of safety. The understanding of many specific biological and clinical factors involved in the stability of third molar auto-transplantation allows for a thorough understanding of the forensic implications relevant to clinical practice. Effective communication and information provision are therefore of utmost importance, in the interest of both patients and doctors.

Validation of a Cox prognostic model for tooth autotransplantation

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to validate our Cox proportional hazards prognostic model for autotransplantation of teeth with complete root formation using prognostic index (PI) and determine whether the prognosis can be predicted.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Protocol group, as a training data set for validation, consisted of 259 autotransplanted teeth to create a PI using the Cox model, as described previously. The Pre-protocol group, as the first validation data set, consisted of 95 autotransplanted teeth treated without a protocol. The Post-protocol group, as the second validation data set, consisted of 61 autotransplanted teeth obtained after the establishment of the prognostic model. Because four prognostic factors, including history of root canal treatment (yes), number of roots (multirooted), source of donor tooth (maxillary tooth), and duration of edentulism (≥2.5 months), were selected as a Cox prognostic model, 16 patterns of PI were constructed. First, the autotransplantated teeth in the Protocol group were divided into low- and high-risk groups respectively according to the median of PI as the cutoff value. The survival curves of low- and high-risk groups were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and tested using the log-rank test. Then, in the Pre- and Post-protocol groups, all transplanted teeth were divided into low-and high-risk teeth by the median of PI and the survival curves of low- and high- risk teeth were analyzed statistically in a similar manner.

RESULTS

The survival curves of the low- and high-risk groups diverged significantly in the Protocol and Post-protocol groups. In the Pre-protocol group, the curves of the low- and high-risk groups were separated, and the low-risk survival rate was improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Our Cox prognostic model for autotransplantation of teeth with complete root formation was useful in predicting the prognosis by external validation using PI.

Dental autotransplantation as a alternative treatment for the loss of permanent anterior teeth in children

Introduction:

Autotransplantation is defined as the surgical movement or transposition of a tooth from its original site to a recipient alveolus, in the same patient. It has high success rates when performed within predefined parameters.

Objective:

This study aims to describe the advantages of a dental autotransplantation protocol based on a multidisciplinary approach and using cone beam computed tomography, computer-aided planning, and rapid prototyping of the donor tooth, enabling the preparation of a surgical guide and postoperative protective plate. This article discusses the indications and contraindications for autotransplantation, as well as the selection criteria for the tooth to be transplanted and the transoperative care essential for its success. The parameters for post-operative control are described, in addition to the variables of success and failure to be considered.

Conclusions:

When analyzing the treatment options available for children with anterior tooth loss and the psychosocial impact on these patients, autotransplantation is considered not only an alternative treatment, but the only viable option for their functional, aesthetic, and social reestablishment.

Does Root Development Status Affect the Outcome of Tooth Autotransplantation? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Tooth autotransplantation is defined as the surgical repositioning of an autogenous tooth in another surgical site within the same individual. Aim: The aim of this research was to analyze the outcome of tooth transplantation using immature donor teeth compared with closed apex teeth and to compare differences between donor tooth positions on the arch. Methods: Electronic and manual literature searches were performed in different databases, including the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE), EMBASE (OVID), Cochrane Central (CENTRAL), and the digital library of the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC University) from 1978 to March 2021. Studies were selected when they fulfilled the following criteria: only human prospective clinical studies, minimum sample size of 10 patients, minimum follow-up of 1 year, studies reporting or with at least deducible data on survival rates, immediate tooth autotransplantation with completed or incomplete root formation, and publications in the English language. A meta-analysis of random effects was developed to estimate the global effect measure of the survival rate, success rate, and root resorption involving the total sample, as well as open- and closed-apex groups. Results: Twenty-four articles were eligible for analysis. The Cohen’s kappa corresponding to this review was 0.87, and the risk assessment was considered low–moderate for the included studies. Overall survival and success rates were 95.9% and 89.4%, respectively, with a mean follow-up of 4 years and an overall mean age of 25.2 ± 12.3 years. Closed apex teeth showed a survival rate of 3.9% lower than that of open apex teeth. Higher complication rates were found for both inflammatory external root resorption and replacement root resorption in the closed-apex group, without reaching statistical significance. Conclusions: Tooth autotransplantation is a viable treatment alternative, regardless of the apical condition, with high survival and success rates after a mean follow-up of 4 years. Open-apex donor teeth could be considered the gold-standard option, showing lower complication rates when compared to closed-apex donor teeth. Future randomized controlled clinical studies are needed to examine the long-term prognosis of this technique.

What Are the Complications, Success and Survival Rates for Autotransplanted Teeth? An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Metanalyses

Background: Autotransplantation is the surgical repositioning of a tooth within the same patient. It can be thought of as the controlled avulsion and re-implantation of a tooth and can be a viable alternative to other dental rehabilitation options. This review aimed to evaluate the survival rate (SR), major complications such as ankylosis rate (AR) and infection-related root resorption (RR), and overall success and failure rate (FR) in autotransplanted teeth. Methods: Six databases were accessed up to January 2021 to obtain all systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs and MAs). Study selection: After title and abstract reading, data extraction was performed from eligible SRs. The methodological quality was calculated for the included SRs using the risk of bias in systematic reviews (ROBIS) tool. Results: Six SRs were included in this review. The overall failure rate ranged from as low as 2.0% to 10.32%. The 1-year survival was very high (97.4–98.0%). The 5-year survival rate ranged from 81 to 98.2%. Major complications of AR ranged from 1.2 to 6.2%, and RR ranged from 2.1 to 10.4%. Conclusion: The overall findings from these SR and MA are promising; however, all the SRs include only single-arm prospective or retrospective studies, the SRs are of overall low methodological quality, and for the heterogeneity of the included SRs, well-designed comparative studies with a long-term follow-up are recommended.

Autotransplantation of teeth with incomplete root formation: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To determine the survival of intentional autotransplantation of developing teeth.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An electronic search was carried out in the MEDLINE database, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The criteria used are the ones described in the PRISMA Declaration. The following MeSH terms were used: ("tooth" [MeSH Terms] OR "tooth" [All Fields]) AND ("transplantation, autologous" [MeSH Terms] OR ("transplantation" [All Fields] AND "autologous" [All Fields]) OR "autologous transplantation" [All Fields] OR "autotransplantation" [All Fields]) AND ("humans" [MeSH Terms]. Randomised clinical trials and prospective and retrospective clinical studies were included.

RESULTS

The meta-analytic study of overall survival included a total of 14 studies, yielding an overall survival rate of 97.9%. In studies with 1-year follow-ups, survival was 98%. The resulting 2-year follow-up rate was 97%, while the 5- and 10-year survival rates were 95.9% and 96.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The autotransplantation technique performed in a single-phase and on teeth that have not completed their development is a predictable technique, with a described survival rate at a 2-year follow-up of more than 97%.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The technique of dental autotransplantation is considered an important resource for the resolution and rehabilitation of tooth loss in patients, especially in those who are still in a growth period. Moreover, this technique has a low complication rate and a 10-year survival rate of 96.9%. It should therefore be considered a safe and reliable procedure.

Tissue Engineering with Compact Bone-Derived Cell Spheroids Enables Bone Formation around Transplanted Tooth

BACKGROUND

Although tooth transplantation is a desirable treatment option for congenital defects of permanent teeth in children, transplantation to a narrow alveolar ridge is not feasible. In this study, we investigated the possibility of bone tissue engineering simultaneously with tooth transplantation to enhance the width of the alveolar bone.

METHODS

Bone marrow mononuclear cells or cortical bone-derived mesenchymal stromal cell spheroids were seeded onto atelocollagen sponge and transplanted with freshly extracted molars from mice of the same strain. New bone formation around the tooth root was evaluated using micro-computed tomography and histological analysis. Tooth alone, or tooth with scaffold but without cells, was also transplanted and served as controls.

RESULTS

Micro-computed tomography showed new bone formation in the furcation area in all four groups. Remarkable bone formation outside the root was also observed in the cortical bone-derived mesenchymal stromal cell group, but was scarce in the other three groups. Histological analysis revealed that the space between the new bone and the root was filled with collagen fibers in all four groups, indicating that the periodontal ligament was maintained.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the potential of simultaneous alveolar bone expansion employing bone tissue engineering approach using cortical bone-derived mesenchymal stromal cell spheroids for tooth transplantation. The use of an orthotopic transplantation model may further clarify the feasibility and functional recovery of the transplanted tooth over a longer period.

Autotransplantation of Two Immature Third Molars with the Use of L-PRF

Tooth autotransplantation is a procedure which provides the extraction of an erupted or impacted tooth and its repositioning to another site in the oral cavity. This Case Report describes a successful case of two autotransplantations of open-apex mandibular third molars in place of the hopeless first mandibular molars with the use of L-PRF in a growing patient. A 15-year-old male patient was referred to the Dental Clinic for the extractions of the two hopeless mandibular first molars. Autotransplantation was considered the best treatment option for both sites 36 and 46, because the presence of two impacted mandibular third molars (38 and 48) with an incomplete root formation. Teeth 36 and 46 were extracted and replaced with teeth 38 and 48. The patient had an uneventful healing. At follow-up visits, the two autotransplanted teeth showed physiologic mobility, absence of inflammation and discomfort, and absence of infection; probing depth values were within normal range, and the vitality tests were positive. After 2 years, the teeth in position 36 and 46 showed absence of infection and mobility, and positive pulp vitality tests and the radiographic examinations exhibited closure of the root apices as well as absence of any periapical radiolucency or root resorption. Tooth autotransplantation is a good treatment option in case of tooth loss offering an alternative to traditional or implant-supported prosthesis especially for growing patients.

Tooth transplantation with a β-tricalcium phosphate scaffold accelerates bone formation and periodontal tissue regeneration

OBJECTIVES

Although tooth transplantation is a useful treatment option as a substitute for a missing tooth, transplantation to a narrow alveolar ridge is not feasible. In this study, we tested a tissue engineering approach simultaneously with tooth transplantation using a scaffold or a combination with cells to accelerate bone formation and periodontal tissue regeneration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) were harvested from C57BL/6J mice. The upper first or the second molar of 3-week-old C57BL/6J mice and a β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffold were transplanted with BM-MNCs (MNC group) or without BM-MNCs (β-TCP group) into the thigh muscle of syngeneic mice. The tooth alone was also transplanted (control group). After 4 weeks, the transplants were harvested and analyzed.

RESULTS

Bone volume was significantly larger in the MNC and the β-TCP groups than that in the control group, and the newly formed bone was observed on the lateral wall of the root. Compared with the control group, the MNC group showed a larger trabecular thickness and fractal dimension.

CONCLUSION

This study showed accelerated bone formation and periodontal tissue regeneration when tooth transplantation was performed with a β-TCP scaffold. BM-MNCs may accelerate bone maturation, while the effect on bone formation was limited.

Autotransplantation of teeth with incomplete root formation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the rates of survival and success and the complications related to autotransplantation of teeth with incomplete root formation. Additionally, we attempted to identify the prognostic factors that influence the outcome of tooth autotransplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search for all data published until July 2016 was conducted. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were specified. Risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle checklist. Meta-analysis was performed by using the DerSimonian-Laird random effect model. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates and the weighted estimated survival, success, and complication rates per year were calculated.

RESULTS

Thirty-two studies were included for analysis. The survival rates reported after 1, 5, and 10 years were 97.4, 97.8, and 96.3%, respectively. The annual weighted estimated survival rate (98.2%), success rate (96.6%), and complication rates in terms of ankylosis (2.0%), root resorption (2.9%), and pulp necrosis (3.3%) were analyzed. No firm conclusions could be drawn with respect to the prognostic factors due to insufficient evidence of high quality.

CONCLUSION

The survival and success rates of autotransplantation of teeth with incomplete root formation were high (> 95%), with a low rate of complications (< 5%).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Current evidence from the literature on autotransplantation of teeth with incomplete root formation shows favorable survival and success rates and low complication rates, indicating it is a reliable treatment option.

Third molar transplantation combined with an osteotome sinus lift - two case reports

We report here on our application of the socket lift technique to create a transplant socket for the transplanted maxillary molar. These outcomes suggest that this technique is likely to be effective for tooth transplantation when the maxillary sinus bottom is close to the alveolar crest.

Misconceptions Regarding Autogenous Tooth Transplantations: A Survey

AIM

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess knowledge regarding autogenous tooth transplantation among oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) residents in India.

STUDY DESIGN

The sample of the survey consisted of Indian OMFS post-graduate residents attending the "1st Asian Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery PG Convention" held from 29th to 31st August, 2013 at Mangalore, India. Questions were asked regarding the participant's preferred tooth replacement modality, the transplantation procedure (socket preparation and stabilization of transplanted tooth); fate of the transplanted tooth (pulpal and periodontal fate) and the possibility of replacing second molars with such procedure, cross-arch transplantation and transplantation after new-socket preparation. The responses of 1st, 2nd and 3rd year residents were assessed for statistical significant difference using Fishers exact test.

RESULTS

Out of 434 residents surveyed using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire, 287 residents responded (response rate 66 %). 74 % were aware of the possibility of autogenous third molar transplantation. Only 24 % believed a new periodontal ligament would form around the transplanted tooth. Misconceptions regarding pulp healing, socket preparation and tooth stabilization and new alveolus transplantation were also seen. 44 % had never seen the procedure and 74 % had never performed it themselves. No statistical significant difference was seen among the responses classified according to the year of training.

CONCLUSION

OMFS residents were found to have inadequate knowledge regarding autogenous tooth transplantation. Tooth transplantation needs to be included in the dental curriculum and standard OMFS textbooks with practical training in post-graduation period.