Autotransplantation of human premolars. A clinical and radiographic study of 100 teeth

Long-term survival of 57 premolars consecutively transplanted to premolar sites

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to report the long-term outcome of autotransplantation of premolars to other premolar recipient sites.

METHODS

The sample was limited to adolescents seeking orthodontic treatment, and all had 1 or 2 premolars transplanted to a recipient site in which a premolar was congenitally missing. The transplantations were performed between 1980 and 2008, comprising 29 premolars in 22 males and 28 premolars in 22 females. Systematic clinical and radiographic follow-up varied from 1 year to 36.8 years, with a mean observation time of 18.9 years and a median of 19.2 years. Of the 57 transplanted teeth, 52 were subjected to orthodontic forces.

RESULTS

A total of 9 of 57 teeth (15.8%) were lost during the observation period, and 8 of 9 lost teeth had been functional for at least 9 years posttransplantation. Of the 48 surviving transplants, 6 did not meet the criteria for success, giving an overall success rate of 73.7%. Complications were diagnosed within 5 years from the transplantation in 4 of 57 teeth (7.0%) and later in 11 of 57 (19.3%). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve shows that the complication-free proportion of transplants decreased at a constant rate over the observation time. The average survival time, taking censoring into account during follow-up of 36.8 years, was estimated as 28.5 years. The complications in the 15 teeth were classified into 4 categories: periapical lesions (6 teeth), inflammatory resorption (5 teeth), abrupt fracture (2 teeth), and ankylosis (2 teeth).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, premolar transplants in all stages of root formation have high success and survival rates. Transplants with complications may survive temporarily and preserve critical arch space and alveolar bone. Transplants with normal healing may have latent weaknesses that can eventually affect long-term survival.

What is the impact of autotransplantation on the long-term stability and patient satisfaction of impacted canines? A Systematic Review

Introduction

Autotransplantation is a surgical technique in which a tooth is repositioned after extraction. It is commonly used for impacted canines, which affect about 2% of the population and are more prevalent in females. These canines may remain embedded due to their late eruption. Treatment options include orthodontic appliances or autotransplantation, especially when canines are positioned too high or angled more than 45 degrees from the occlusal plane.

Aim

To review the literature regarding the effects of autotransplantation on patient satisfaction, aesthetic outcomes, and the long-term stability of autotransplantation.

Materials and Methods

This Systematic Review, registered with PROSPERO (CRD4202341), followed the PICO framework. Extensive searches were conducted in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, VHL Regional Portal, and Web of Science, covering literature up to April 1, 2023.

Results

The review analyzed 11 studies involving the autotransplantation of 395 canine teeth, including two mandibular canines. Findings indicate higher success rates in younger patients, with a higher prevalence of transplantation in females (1 6 4) than males (1 0 5). The survival rate of transplanted canines was up to 67.9 % after 21 years, with some surviving up to 27.8 years. Success factors included young age, female gender, minimal extraoral time, proper root canal treatment, and effective post-operative care. Negative factors included ankylosis, root resorption, root fractures, infections, and periodontal issues. Complications included tooth darkening and the need for crowning. Patient satisfaction was rarely reported, with only three studies mentioning it and none addressing quality-of-life directly.

Conclusion

Canine autotransplantation is viable for selected patients when other treatments are insufficient. Despite various influencing factors, consensus guidelines for procedural decisions still need to be improved, and reports on patient satisfaction and quality-of-life impacts should be more frequent.

A novel model of autologous tooth transplantation for the study of nerve recruitment

BACKGROUND

Limited treatment options exist for damaged nerves and despite impressive advances in tissue engineering, scientists and clinicians have yet to fully replicate nerve development and recruitment. Innervation is a critical feature for normal organ function. While most organs are innervated prior to birth, a rare example of postnatal nerve recruitment occurs in the natural development of secondary teeth during adolescence. Many animals undergo postnatal shedding of deciduous teeth with development and eruption of secondary teeth, a process requiring recruitment of nerve and vasculature to each tooth pulp for viability. Here, the investigators created a novel model for the study of postnatal innervation by exploiting the natural phenomenon of tooth-driven nerve recruitment.

METHODS

The investigators theorized that developing teeth possess a special capacity to induce innervation which could be harnessed in a clinical setting for nerve regeneration, and hyptothesized that a transplant model could be created to capture this phenomenon. In this descriptive study, a rat model of autologous tooth transplantation and de novo nerve recruitment was developed by surgically transferring whole developing molars to the autologous tibia.

RESULTS

Downstream histological analysis performed 6 to 14 weeks after surgery demonstrated integration of molar into tibia in 81% of postoperative rats, with progressive pulpal expression of nerve marker ß-tubulin III suggestive of neuronal recruitment.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide a novel model for the study of organ transplantation and support the theory that developing dental tissues may retain nerve-inductive properties postnatally.

Interdisciplinary management of an adolescent patient with a severely impacted mandibular canine

Impacted mandibular canines often result in a variety of clinical dilemmas. Orthodontic disimpaction of severely displaced mandibular canines may be extremely challenging and associated with significant patient discomfort and a high risk of iatrogenic damage. This case report demonstrates the interdisciplinary management of a horizontally impacted permanent mandibular canine, utilising a combination of three-dimensional radiology, biomodel fabrication and subsequent endodontic treatment. © 2024 Australian Dental Association.

Autologous Tooth Transplantation in Craniofacial Malformations

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the applicability of transplanted teeth in young patients with craniofacial anomalies.

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

Comprehensive Centre for Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Malformations.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Patients with craniofacial anomalies who underwent tooth transplantation. Only children with complete clinical and radiological documentation and a follow-up period of at least 1.5 years were included.

INTERVENTIONS

Tooth transplantation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Retrospective evaluation of clinical records, pre- and postoperative radiographs, and operative charts. Clinical characteristics of patients, preoperative parameters and postoperative outcome parameters were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 17 patients with 23 tooth transplantations were included. The median follow-up period was 6.7 years. The pooled survival and success rates were 91%. Notably, one out of two teeth that were transplanted into the bone grafted alveolar cleft site had to be extracted, which might indicating a higher risk for this procedure. In total, two transplanted teeth had to be extracted during the follow-up period, one due to external resorption and the other one due to perio-endo lesion. One patient needed endodontic treatment due to pulp necrosis.

CONCLUSION

We consider tooth transplantation to be a reliable and suitable procedure in the dental rehabilitation of young patients with craniofacial anomalies and fitting concomitant circumstances. We encourage craniofacial teams to reconsider this option more frequently in appropriate cases.

An evaluation of 910 premolars transplanted in the anterior region-A retrospective analysis of survival, success, and complications

AIM

The aim this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the survival, success and possible complications of transplanted premolars to the anterior region subdivided in development stage and patient's age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The material comprised patients that underwent a tooth transplantation between April 2004 and December 2021. A total of 910 premolars were transplanted in 707 patients. Tooth mobility, oral hygiene, and periodontal parameters were clinically evaluated. Standardized radiographs were used to evaluate pulpal and periodontal healing and root formation. The cumulative survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

The data were subdivided in three groups based on the stage of root development and patient's age. The average age at surgery was 16 years. The main indication for transplantation was trauma, followed by agenesis and other indications. Two premolars were lost during the whole observation period. The overall survival and success in the immature premolars group after an observation period of 10 years was 99.8%. The 10-year survival and success rate when fully developed premolars were transplanted in the anterior region in adolescents were 100% and 96.3%, respectively. In adults, the 10-year survival and success rate were 87.5%.

CONCLUSION

Transplantation of premolars with developing and fully developed roots to the anterior region in children, adolescents, and adults is a predictable treatment modality.

Availability of Third Molars as Donor Teeth for Autotransplantation to Replace Congenitally Absent Second Premolars in Children and Young Adults

The aim of the study was to assess the presence and distribution of third molars (M3) regarding their autotransplantation in patients with congenital absence of second premolars (PM2). Additionally, M3 development in relation to patients' age and gender was investigated. Panoramic radiographs of non-syndromic patients with at least one congenitally absent PM2 were used to assess the localization and number of missing PM2 and the presence or absence of M3 (minimum age 10 years). The alternate logistic regression model was applied to analyze associations between the presence of PM2 and M3. A total of 131 patients with PM2 agenesis were identified (82 females, 49 males). At least one M3 was present in 75.6% and all M3 were present in 42.7% of patients. A statistically significant association between the number of PM2 and M3 agenesis was found; the effects of age and gender were not significant. More than half of M3 in patients between 14-17 years old had completed ¼ of their root development. The congenital absence of maxillary PM2 was associated with the absence of maxillary PM2, M3, and no correlation was found in the mandible. In patients with PM2 agenesis, at least one M3 is often present and can be considered as a donor tooth for autotransplantation.

An evaluation of 1654 premolars transplanted in the posterior region-A retrospective analysis of survival, success and complications

AIM

The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the survival, success and possible complications of transplanted premolars in the posterior region subdivided by developmental stage and patient age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included patients who underwent tooth transplantation between April 2004 and December 2021. A total of 1654 premolars were transplanted into 1243 patients. Tooth mobility, oral hygiene and periodontal parameters were clinically evaluated. Intraoral radiographs were used to evaluate pulpal and periodontal healing, and root formation. The cumulative survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Data were subdivided into three groups based on the stage of root development and patient age. The mean age at surgery was 14.5 years. The main indication for transplantation was agenesis, followed by trauma and other indications, such as impacted or malformed teeth. A total of 11 premolars were lost during the study period. The overall survival and success rates in the immature premolar group after an observation period of 10 years were 99.7% and 99.4%, respectively. High survival and success rates (95.7% and 95.5%, respectively) were also observed when fully developed premolars were transplanted into the posterior region of adolescents. In adults, the success rate after 10-year follow-up is 83.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Transplantation of premolars with developing and fully developed roots is a predictable treatment modality.

Long term outcomes of en-block autotransplantation of a tooth

Repositioning of impacted teeth in the dental arch through en-bloc autotransplantation showed short-term efficacy of 89%. The objective of this study was to evaluate the technique for long-term efficacy. The analysis involved 23 teeth transplanted to the alveolar ridge through harvesting the tooth with the adjacent bone tissue. Development of the root was completed and the apical foramen was closed in all the teeth. The teeth were examined clinically and radiologically (CBCT) and compared to contralateral ones. The obtained data were analysed statistically. The efficacy of the procedure amounted to 81% including two teeth lost at an early stage and another two lost during follow-up. The mean age of patients upon performing the procedure was 29.8. The long-term follow-up amounted to the mean of 34.3 months. In the study group recession of 1-2 mm as well as 3-5 mm was found, which was not noted on the control group. In 11.1% of the study group teeth the external root resorption was observed. No transplanted tooth underwent root canal treatment, no periapical changes were observed at CBCT and 77.8% of those showed positive reaction to ethyl chloride. One case of ankylosis was observed in tooth 11 and in two cases increased mobility of the transplanted tooth was found. Regeneration of nerves as well as revascularization in the en-bloc autotransplantation proceeded with high predictability and the risk of ankylosis of the treated tooth seemed to be negligible. Gingival recession was observed more often in case of en-bloc transplantation compared to the control group. The long-term follow-up suggested that this the technique does not prevent external resorption in 100%.

The outcomes of auto-transplanted premolars in the anterior maxilla following traumatic dental injuries

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Tooth auto-transplantation is a treatment option, which is often not considered to replace anterior maxillary incisors in children and adolescents. There are multiple prognostic factors that may influence the outcomes of premolar auto-transplantation, but there is limited evidence from human studies. The aim of this study was to report the outcomes of auto-transplanted premolars in the anterior maxilla following traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) and to identify their prognostic factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical records of patients who had premolars transplanted in the anterior maxilla following TDI, with appropriate radiographs and a minimal of 1-year follow-up, were reviewed retrospectively. A specific data extraction form was developed, tested and used to collect information for the prognostic factors and outcomes.

RESULTS

The cohort included 120 patients with 144 auto-transplanted premolars. The mean age was 12.2 years (±2.0), and the mean observation period was 3.7 years (±1.8). The success rate was 80%, and the survival rate was 93%. Unfavourable outcomes included external replacement resorption in 12.5%, uncontrolled external inflammatory resorption in 2.7%, and both resorption types in 4.9% of teeth. Periodontal healing was significantly associated with donor tooth root maturity, graft handling at the time of surgery including ease of donor tooth extraction and placement at the recipient sites, recipient site alveolar bone status, and post-operative transplant mobility. Seventy-four teeth (53.4%) were immature at the time of transplantation where pulp revascularisation was anticipated, and 52 (70%) of those had radiographic and clinical signs of pulp healing. Pulp healing was significantly related to donor tooth eruption stage, ease of extraction of donor tooth, and ease of placement in the recipient site.

CONCLUSIONS

Good outcomes were observed for premolar teeth auto-transplanted in the anterior maxilla. The main prognostic factors were ease of extraction of donor tooth and ease of placement in the recipient sites and donor tooth root maturity.

Tooth auto-transplantation: A bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most-cited articles

BACKGROUND/AIM

Tooth auto-transplantation has recently gained high clinical acceptance. The aim of this study was to identify the top 100 most-cited articles regarding tooth auto-transplantation, to analyse multiple citations and publication metrics and to outline the historical scientific advancements in this field.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An advanced search of the Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science 'Core Collection' and Elsevier's Scopus databases utilising specific keywords related to tooth auto-transplantation between 1971 and 2021 was performed. The retrieved articles were ranked in descending order based on their Web of Science citation counts and further cross-matched with citation data from Scopus. The extracted data included citation counts, citation density, level of evidence, year of publication, contributing authors names and institutes, corresponding author's address, journal of publication, journal local citations index, cumulative growth index, keywords and keywords Plus. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and graphical mapping.

RESULTS

A total of 1290 articles were retrieved. The top 100 most-cited articles received a total of 4899 (Web of Science) and 5250 (Scopus) citations. Among these, cohort studies (29%) and case series (18%) were the most common study designs. Scandinavian countries produced major contributions in defining the top 100 most-cited articles and ranked within the top 5 countries based on the number of publications and citations per year. The greatest contributing authors were Schwartz O (n = 12), Andreasen JO (n = 8) and Paulsen HU (n = 6), and they were affiliated with Copenhagen, Denmark. The top contributing journals were American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Surgery Oral Medicine Oral Pathology Oral Radiology, European Journal of Orthodontics, Dental Traumatology and Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

CONCLUSION

This bibliometric analysis revealed a large geographical scientific interest and broad development in the field of tooth auto-transplantation spanning multiple dental disciplines.

Orthodontic management of a horizontally impacted maxillary incisor in an adolescent patient

Horizontal maxillary incisor impaction is not common, but it affects facial esthetics, phonetics, and the patient's self-esteem. Therefore, it is necessary to manage this problem as early as possible. This case report presents a patient with an unerupted maxillary left central incisor combined with anterior and left posterior crossbite, edge-to-edge overbite on the right and left anterior open bite, low smile line, and mild skeletal Class III discrepancy. The treatment consisted of 3 stages: (1) maxillary expansion and sufficient space creation for the impacted tooth; (2) surgical exposure by closed-eruption technique; and (3) induced eruption of impaction. The treatment outcome was highly favorable. Maxillary impaction erupted in the proper position with a normal clinical crown height and consonant gingival line with the adjacent teeth. Maxillary and mandibular teeth had normal and stable occlusion. The 3-year follow-up demonstrated an esthetically functional outcome after orthodontically induced tooth eruption. This treatment required a good treatment plan by the orthodontist to obtain satisfactory results.

Guided Endodontics: A Literature Review

The main objective of this paper is to perform an updated literature review of guided endodontics based on the available up-to-date scientific literature to identify and describe the technique, its benefits, and its limitations. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science) were used to perform a literature search from 1 January 2017 to 13 May 2022. After discarding duplicates, out of 1047 results, a total of 29 articles were eligible for review. Guided endodontics is a novel technique that is currently evolving. It is applied in multiple treatments, especially in accessing and locating root canals in teeth with pulp canal obliteration, microsurgical endodontics, and removing glass fiber posts in endodontic retreatments. In addition, it is independent of an operator's experience, requires less treatment time for the patient, and is more accurate and safer than conventional endodontics.

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.

M, Kumar SP, M S. A Rare Case of Unilateral Impacted Permanent Maxillary Canine Tooth in an Inverted Position

The probability of occurrence of impacted permanent maxillary canine tooth is 2% and, in most cases, is an incidental finding. The management options for them vary from no treatment, surgical exposure, and orthodontic traction into dental arch, surgical removal, and autotransplantation. Although orthodontic traction into the dental arch is the ideal treatment of choice, it cannot be achieved in permanent maxillary canines impacted in unfavorable or aberrant positions. In this article, we report a rare case of a unilateral impacted permanent maxillary canine tooth in an inverted position, which was an incidental finding during the patient’s routine dental examination and discuss the management options for impacted permanent maxillary canine teeth.

Autotransplantation of the Third Molar: A Therapeutic Alternative to the Rehabilitation of a Missing Tooth: A Scoping Review

INTRODUCTION

Tooth autotransplantation is the repositioning of an erupted, partially erupted, or non-erupted autologous tooth from one site to another within the same individual. Several factors influence the success rate of the autotransplant, such as the stage of root development, the morphology of the tooth, the surgical procedure selected, the extraoral time, the shape of the recipient socket, the vascularity of the recipient bed, and the vitality of the cells of the periodontal ligament. The aim of this scoping review was to provide the most up-to-date information and data on the clinical principles of the third-molar autograft and thus provide clinical considerations for its success.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review was conducted based on PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews). The research was conducted by searching for keywords in three databases-PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar-by two independent reviewers following the PRISMA protocol, from which 599 records were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Third-molar autotransplantation is a valid solution to replace missing teeth. The key to the success of this technique is the surgical procedure, which must be as atraumatic as possible to preserve the periodontal ligament of the tooth to be transplanted. The success rate is also linked to the stage of development of the root, with a worse prognosis in the case of a complete root.

Status of the alveolar bone after autotransplantation of developing premolars to the anterior maxilla assessed by CBCT measurements

Background/Aims

Autotransplantation of developing premolars is an established treatment to replace missing teeth in the anterior maxilla in growing patients with a reported success rate of over 90%. The normal shape of the alveolus is observed after transplantation, but data on the presence and amount of alveolar bone after healing has not been previously reported. The aim of this study was to look for potential differences in alveolar bone dimensions between sites where autotransplanted premolars replaced missing incisors and control sites of contralateral incisors.

Material/Methods

There were 11 patients aged between 10 and 12 years five months (mean age: 10 years and 7 months) who underwent autotransplantation of a premolar to replace a central incisor. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) performed at least 1 year after transplantation served to evaluate bone at sites of autotransplanted premolars and controls (contralateral maxillary central incisor). The thickness of the labial bone, plus the height and width of the alveolar process were measured on scans and compared at transplant and control sites.

Results

Mean thicknesses of the labial bone at the transplant and control sites were 0.78 mm and 0.82 mm respectively. Mean alveolar bone height was 15.15 mm at the transplant sites and 15.12 mm at the control sites. The mean marginal thickness of the alveolus was 7.75 mm at the transplant sites and 7.98 mm at the control sites. Mean thicknesses of the alveolus for half of its vertical dimension at the transplant and control sites were 7.54 mm and 8.03 mm, respectively.

Conclusion

The mean values of bone thickness, width and height of the alveolar process at sites of transplanted premolars were comparable to the mean values for the control incisors. Successful autotransplantation of developing premolars to replace missing central incisors allowed preservation of alveolar bone in the anterior maxilla.

Autotransplantation of a completely developed impacted maxillary canine: A 7-year follow-up case report

BACKGROUND

Impacted maxillary canines are likely to be extracted in adult patients once orthodontic treatment is ruled out. The missing teeth are generally replaced with dental implants.

CASE DESCRIPTION

The authors report the clinical case of a 45-year-old man who was missing the maxillary left canine for 30 years. Radiographic examination revealed that the maxillary permanent left canine was palatally impacted. The tooth was transplanted into the prepared socket on the missing tooth site and secured in the desired position with a flexible wire splint. During the 7-year follow-up, the tooth remained clinically sound with no radiographic manifestation of inflammatory or root resorption.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The prognosis for the transplanted tooth was favorable after long-term follow-up observation. This result suggests that autotransplantation of impacted maxillary canines can be a viable treatment option for some adult patients who expect to retain their natural teeth.

Tooth autotransplantation using an interdisciplinary approach to rehabilitation in a young patient: Case report with 7-year follow-up

This case report demonstrates the possibility of functional and aesthetic rehabilitation using an interdisciplinary approach in a child following avulsion of a tooth. Autotransplantation after the development of calcific metamorphosis of the pulp and acute apical periodontitis provided satisfactory repair after root canal treatment. A 7-year-old white boy avulsed the right maxillary central incisor (tooth 11). The extra-alveolar time exceeded 60 minutes, and this triggered external replacement resorption of the avulsed tooth. At 11 years of age, the child underwent tooth autotransplantation. After 4 years of follow-up, intraoral clinical and radiographic examination led to the diagnosis of calcific metamorphosis of the pulp and acute apical periodontitis. The patient had minimally invasive root canal treatment, orthodontic treatment and esthetic rehabilitation with a porcelain crown. Control periapical radiography and tomography of the autotransplanted tooth after 7 years revealed bone repair in the periapical region. This case report indicates that tooth autotransplantation can be used to replace anterior teeth after avulsion followed by replacement resorption. Interdisciplinary management helped to maintain the esthetics and function of the rehabilitated area.

Mid-Term outcomes and periodontal prognostic factors Of autotransplanted third molars: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Tooth autotransplantation is a valid method for replacing non-restorable teeth. This study aimed to assess mid-term survival and success of autotransplanted third molars and the clinical periodontal parameters and factors predicting successful periodontal attachment apparatus regeneration.

METHODS

In total, 36 patients who had undergone extraction and subsequent autotransplantation of 36 third molars using virtual planning and computer-aided rapid prototyping models by an oral surgeon and endodontist were eligible. Probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession (REC), clinical attachment level (CAL), pulpal and periapical healing, root resorption, and radiographic bone loss (RBL) were evaluated. Additionally, a questionnaire evaluated patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 30.2 years with a mean follow-up duration of 29.42 ± 14.56 months. The overall survival and success rates were 97.2% and 91.7%, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in success and survival rates between open and closed apex groups or between compromised and intact buccal bone groups. No signs of pulp necrosis were found in the open apex group. Progressive replacement resorption was detected in one closed apex case. The mean PPD was 2.7 ± 0.45 mm for all transplanted teeth. REC was 0.13 mm higher in transplanted teeth than in previous hopeless teeth. CAL changes were neither clinically relevant (-0.17 ± 0.66 mm) nor statistically significant. The reported patient satisfaction was high.

CONCLUSIONS

Autotransplantation of third molars is a predictable treatment method, with a 2.5-year cumulative tooth survival and success of 97.2% and 91.7%, respectively, which were not influenced by recipient site integrity or root development.

A retrospective analysis of autotransplanted teeth including an evaluation of a novel surgical technique

OBJECTIVES

To assess survival rates and frequency of complications for immature and mature autotransplanted teeth after at least 1 year in function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All consecutive patients who had undergone tooth autotransplantation between 2000 and 2018 were invited to a clinical and radiographic follow-up examination. First, survival rates were calculated on the basis of a phone inquiry. A clinical follow-up examination allowed for the calculation of the success rate, i.e., absence of any potentially adverse clinical and radiographic findings of the autotransplanted teeth. Moreover, the effect of demographic, dental, and surgical variables on survival/success was analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight teeth in 35 patients were transplanted during the study period. Three teeth in 3 patients were excluded due to missing records. All other patients were successfully contacted and interviewed by phone. Out of these 35 transplants, 32 were still in function, and 3 had been extracted, yielding a 91.4% survival probability after a median follow-up of 3.4 years. Of the 32 teeth qualifying for the success analysis, 20 (62.5%) showed absence of potentially adverse findings, while 3 (9.4%) required root canal treatment (RCT). Out of the 9 mature, root-end resected transplants, 4 exhibited ongoing pulp canal obliteration, all with a single root canal. Postoperative and potentially adverse findings or failures were found more frequently in the group of mature transplants (55.6%) than immature transplants (30.4%) and for molars (72.7%) than premolars (17.6%) or canines (25%). None of the potential predictors had a statistically significant effect on survival or success.

CONCLUSION

Autotransplanted teeth yielded a satisfying midterm survival rate regardless of their stage of development. An additional, extraoral root-end resection of mature transplants may lead to rates of revascularization and postoperative pulp canal obliteration higher than the data reported on unmodified mature transplants.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Extraoral root-end resection of mature teeth shows promising outcomes for transplants especially with a single root canal and uncomplicated root morphology.

Survival and success of autotransplanted impacted maxillary canines during short-term follow-up: A prospective case-control study

OBJECTIVES

This prospective clinical trial aimed to examine the predictability of maxillary canine transplantation as compared to biological canine eruption. Additional objectives were to examine hard and soft tissue outcomes, including aesthetic outcome compared to outcomes with the contralateral canines.

SETTINGS AND SAMPLE POPULATION

The sample comprised 17 consecutively transplanted maxillary canines in 17 patients (mean age at surgery, 18 years; range, 11-29 years). Minimal follow-up time was 12 months post-transplantation. Clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded for the transplanted and contralateral canines, showing a natural eruption pattern.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The Maxillary Canine Aesthetic Index (MCAI) and the Autotransplanted Maxillary Canine Radiological Index (AMCRI) were scored for all upper canines. Successful transplantation was considered as the absence of pathology during intermittent clinical and radiographic controls and a good-to-excellent outcome compared to the contralateral biological erupted canine, as defined by the MCAI and AMCRI.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 28 months (±9; range, 12-40 months). The overall survival rate was 100%, and the success rate reached 68% at 1 year post-operatively. Significant predictors of success were the extra-oral time during transplantation, amount of damage to the root surface, quality of surrounding tissues and immediate post-operative oral hygiene.

CONCLUSION

Standardized measurements demonstrated clinically satisfactory outcomes with maxillary canine autotransplantation compared to outcomes with the contralateral canine during 1-3 years of follow-up. The potential predictors of success identified here should be confirmed with long-term follow-up studies.

Retrospective Evaluation of Immediate Impacted Third Molars Autotransplantation After Extractions of Mandibular First and/or Second Molars With Chronic Periapical Lesions

PURPOSE

To evaluate the success rate of simultaneous autotransplantation of the immature impacted third molars with the guidance of computer-aided rapid prototyping (CARP) to the place of mandibular first or second molars with extraction indication due to the untreatable radiographic periapical lesions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twelve radiographically and clinically hopeless mandibular first or second molars with periapical lesions of 10 patients between the ages of 15 to 21 were included in this retrospective clinical study. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were used to produce the CARP models of the donor impacted third molars. Following the extractions of the mandibular first or second molars with periapical lesions, sockets were curetted and prepared with proper burs until a suitable infraocclusal fit of the CARP models. The donor teeth were transplanted synchronously with their surgical extractions. Postoperatively patients were followed clinically and radiographically in the 3rd and 6th months and every 6th month thereafter for at least 18 months. Clinically, the mobility, periodontal plaque, bleeding on probing, percussion sensitivity, periodontal pocket, vitality, and occlusion, and radiographically, the root resorption, ankylosis, presence of lamina dura, and healing of periapical lesion were assessed.

RESULT

By the end of 12th month, and thereafter, all transplanted teeth were in occlusion and functioning properly with no clinical or radiological signs of pathology. All of the autotransplantation cases involved in this clinical study were successful within a mean follow-up period of 20.4 months with the least one of 18 months.

CONCLUSION

Immediate autotransplantation of the immature third molars to the place of mandibular first or second molars with extraction indication due to the periapical lesion can be a proper treatment option for adolescent patients.

Survival probability of dental autotransplantation of 366 teeth over 34 years within a hospital setting in the United Kingdom

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate 34 years' experience of autotransplantation of teeth during orthodontic treatment.

METHODOLOGY

Treatment was completed at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, Kent, UK, during the period 1969-2003. A total of 366 teeth were transplanted in 314 patients.

RESULTS

Canines totalled 78 per cent of all autotransplanted teeth; mean age of patient was 19.4 years. Survival probability for the first 5 years post-autotransplantation was 95 per cent, 94 per cent for the subsequent 5 years, and 88 per cent after 15 years. The maximum observation period was 34 years, the median was 2.0 years, and the mean was 3.51 (standard deviation = 3.68) years. Of the observed teeth, 10 failed and these were lost due to unsuccessful periodontal ligament regeneration and persistent mobility grade III (or greater). Apical pathology was observed in 16 per cent of all autotransplanted teeth. In 79 per cent of this subgroup, apical pathology was evident in the first 3 years post-operatively. Seventy per cent of all external resorption also occurred within the first 3 years. Internal resorption was rare but its occurrence was mostly observed between the second and sixth year post-transplantation. A minority of autotransplanted teeth [14 per cent (n = 51)] needed root canal therapy, and this was completed within the first 6 months post-transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Autotransplantation can be a justified procedure with good survival probability. It can be considered an alternative to other treatments, such as prosthodontic replacement of teeth.

Autotransplantation in combination with orthodontic treatment

INTRODUCTION

Autotransplantation is a surgical method in which a tooth is repositioned within the same patient. It can be described as a controlled reimplantation of an extracted tooth into a new, surgically prepared socket. The key to success of this treatment is the preservation and regeneration of the periodontal ligament. It is an underutilized technique which, if conducted with a multidisciplinary team, can be an ideal treatment option for patients with failing or missing teeth.

OBJECTIVES

The detailed clinical procedures, indications for this technique, and the factors affecting its success are discussed.

Root Elongation After Autotransplantation in 58 Transplanted Premolars: The Radiographic Width of the Apex as a Predictor

PURPOSE

Autotransplantation of premolars with incomplete root development is a reliable treatment option for tooth replacement. Nevertheless, little is known about root development after transplantation of teeth. The aim of this study was to evaluate preoperative root development stage and radiographic width of the apex as predictors for root elongation after autotransplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was implemented and composed of patients who underwent autotransplantation of at least 1 premolar. Using panoramic radiographs (orthopantomograms), calibrated measurements were taken to record the root development stage of the donor tooth, width of the apex, and root length of the transplanted tooth.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients (58 transplants) were included. Mean follow-up time was 12 months (range, 4 to 26 months). Fifty-three transplanted teeth (91.4%) showed root elongation. Mean root elongation at end of follow-up was 1.9 mm (range, 0.0 to 4.3 mm). A wide-open apex before transplantation was significantly associated with root elongation after autotransplantation (P < .01). Root development stage (P = .82) did not show significant associations with root elongation.

CONCLUSIONS

A wide-open apex (>2.0 mm) is an important predictor of root elongation after autotransplantation of premolars. This might be a better predictor for root development than preoperative root development stage.

Pulp canal obliteration after traumatic injuries in permanent teeth - scientific fact or fiction?

Pulp canal obliteration (PCO) is a frequent finding associated with pulpal revascularization after luxation injuries of young permanent teeth. The underlying mechanisms of PCO are still unclear, and no experimental scientific evidence is available, except the results of a single histopathological study. The lack of sound knowledge concerning this process gives rise to controversies, including the most suitable denomination. More than a mere semantic question, the denomination is an important issue, because it reflects the nature of this process, and directly impacts the treatment plan decision. The hypothesis that accelerated dentin deposition is related to the loss of neural control over odontoblastic secretory activity is well accepted, but demands further supportive studies. PCO is seen radiographically as a rapid narrowing of pulp canal space, whereas common clinical features are yellow crown discoloration and a lower or non-response to sensibility tests. Late development of pulp necrosis and periapical disease are rare complications after PCO, rendering prophylactic endodontic intervention useless. Indeed, yellowish or gray crown discoloration may pose a challenge to clinicians, and may demand endodontic intervention to help restore aesthetics. This literature review was conducted to discuss currently available information concerning PCO after traumatic dental injuries (TDI), and was gathered according to three topics: I) physiopathology of PCO after TDI; II) frequency and predictors of pulpal healing induced by PCO; and III) clinical findings related to PCO. Review articles, original studies and case reports were included aiming to support clinical decisions during the follow-up of teeth with PCO, and highlight future research strategies.

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.

The evaluation of the transport medium for extracted premolars prior to cryopreservation: a systematic literature review

Prior to cryopreservation, a tooth is transported from a contaminated oral environment to the tooth bank. Our objective was to identify all studies reporting or investigating a transport protocol prior to the cryopreservation of teeth, in terms of decontamination of the subjects. The systematic literature search (1970-2017) was based on MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. The reference lists of the included studies and the Science Citation Index were used for hand searching (snowballing). Only studies reporting the transport conditions of the transplant were included. Language restrictions for English, Dutch or French were applied. The search led to 14 eligible studies. Almost all studies were laboratory studies, so the methodological quality of evidence was low. The majority of the included studies was performed by only five different research groups and the number of subjects varied between 1 and 120 teeth. In general, the teeth were stored in a tissue culture medium supplemented with fetal calf serum and/or different combinations of antibiotics and/or antimycotics. The teeth were transported cooled (4 °C) or at room temperature, for a period of time not exceeding 24 h. Only three studies reported the irrigation of the teeth with phosphate buffered saline prior to the transport. The optimisation of the decontamination during transport was investigated in three studies (from 1971, 1980 and 1982). It was concluded that the literature on this topic is scarce, and the decontamination protocol for teeth, prior to cryopreservation has not been validated recently.

Tooth loss treatment in the anterior region: Autotransplantation of premolars and cryopreservation

Avulsed and lost anterior teeth are common in young people. Using autotransplantation, it is possible to move problems in dental arches to regions where they are easier to solve orthodontically. Transplantation of premolars with three-quarter root formation or full root formation with wide open apical foramina provides the best prognosis for long-term survival. This article describes the use of autotransplantation and orthodontic treatment, together with cryopreservation, in connection with complicated trauma in the anterior region of an 8-year-old female child.

Autotransplantation of Teeth Associated with Dentigerous Cyst: A Case Report

This paper discusses the treatment of impacted permanent incisors and unerupted ectopic canine associated with a dentigerous cyst in mixed dentition that was successfully managed by the combined approach of decompression followed by enucleation, primary closure, autotransplantation and endodontic therapy which enabled the utilization of teeth which were hitherto nonfunctional, transferred to an optimal functional and esthetic position. Decompression is a less invasive technique which reduces the cystic pressure, avoids a more stressful surgical procedure and necessity for general anesthesia. It gives more pleasing results as the body's own mechanism heals the defect gradually. Autotransplantation of teeth induces bone formation around the root with the help of viable periodontal ligament on their root surface. In this case, bone lost by cyst was regenerated and lamina dura was appreciable in the follow up radiographs and transplanted teeth are functioning well.