Intentional Replantation as a Starting Approach for a Multidisciplinary Treatment of a Mandibular Second Molar: A Case Report

Review of Approaches to the Management of Vertical Dental Root Fractures and Tooth Preservation

A vertical root fracture (VRF) is a complex condition in which the fracture lines can be partial or complete and extend along the long axis of the tooth. Considering the nature of the damage and the low likelihood of a successful outcome, such fractures can be difficult to manage. Their management typically involves complex endodontic or surgical procedures, which can be technically challenging for general dentists. Recent advancements introduce promising techniques, such as intentional replantation, adhesive methodologies, and regenerative procedures, showcasing potential in salvaging teeth affected by VRFs. Nonetheless, the imprecise nature of symptoms necessitates meticulous case evaluation by clinicians. Comprehensive patient counseling regarding diverse treatment options and potential ramifications remains crucial to preserving the affected tooth. Preserving a vertically fractured tooth aids in improving both function and aesthetics while safeguarding the arch's integrity by maintaining the height of the alveolar bone. It is important to note that the success of the treatment procedures depends on the extent and location of the fracture, the condition of the tooth and fragment, and the skill of the dental professional performing the treatment. This review highlights the complexity of VRF management, emphasizing the necessity for precise evaluation, patient education, and the exploration of innovative techniques. It aims to review the treatment of VRFs, ranging from classical to contemporary methods, with a focus on tooth preservation. The establishment of standardized protocols and conduct of further research to ascertain long-term efficacy are imperative in optimizing outcomes and retaining natural dentition in cases of VRFs.

Tooth intentional replantation from 1964 to 2023: A bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND/AIM

There is no thorough overview of intentional tooth replantation techniques. We performed a bibliometric analysis of the development of intentional tooth replantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive search of the Web of Science and SCOPUS databases was conducted in February 2023. Original articles and reviews of human studies with "intentional replantation" or synonyms in the titles, abstracts, or keywords were included. A descriptive analysis of bibliographic data, co-occurrence analysis, and coupling of publications was performed. Multivariate analysis was used to explore the bibliometric parameters associated with the citation counts.

RESULTS

The study included 171 papers, which were co-authored by 500 individuals affiliated with 217 institutions from 28 countries/regions. The USA contributed the greatest number of publications, followed by China, and Japan. The USA had 694 citations, followed by Japan (210), and Turkey (210). The Journal of Endodontics and Dental Traumatology contributed the most citations. Five directions for future research were identified based on the coupling relationships of publications, including "managing vertical root fractures with adhesive resin using the intentional replantation technique," "intentional replantation for periodontally hopeless or endodontically compromised teeth," "intentional replantation for treating abnormalities of morphological development," "outcomes and prognosis factors of intentional replantation," and "treating root replacement resorption by intentional replantation." Multivariate analysis showed that the publication year, Journal Citation Reports ranking of journals, study design, and disease type were predictors of citation counts.

CONCLUSIONS

This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive description of the intentional replantation technique. The USA published the greatest volume of papers and generated the most citations. The Journal of Endodontics and Dental Traumatology are considered the most influential. The Journal Citation Reports journal ranking (Q1, Q2), study design (case reports, cohort studies), and disease type (crown root fractures) were associated with the citation counts.

Scaffolds for Dentin-Pulp Complex Regeneration

Background and Objectives: Regenerative dentistry aims to regenerate the pulp-dentin complex and restore those of its functions that have become compromised by pulp injury and/or inflammation. Scaffold-based techniques are a regeneration strategy that replicate a biological environment by utilizing a suitable scaffold, which is considered crucial for the successful regeneration of dental pulp. The aim of the present review is to address the main characteristics of the different scaffolds, as well as their application in dentin-pulp complex regeneration. Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted by two independent reviewers to answer the research question: What type of scaffolds can be used in dentin-pulp complex regeneration? An electronic search of PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane library databases was undertaken. Keywords including "pulp-dentin regeneration scaffold" and "pulp-dentin complex regeneration" were used. To locate additional reports, reference mining of the identified papers was undertaken. Results: A wide variety of biomaterials is already available for tissue engineering and can be broadly categorized into two groups: (i) natural, and (ii) synthetic, scaffolds. Natural scaffolds often contain bioactive molecules, growth factors, and signaling cues that can positively influence cell behavior. These signaling molecules can promote specific cellular responses, such as cell proliferation and differentiation, crucial for effective tissue regeneration. Synthetic scaffolds offer flexibility in design and can be tailored to meet specific requirements, such as size, shape, and mechanical properties. Moreover, they can be functionalized with bioactive molecules, growth factors, or signaling cues to enhance their biological properties and the manufacturing process can be standardized, ensuring consistent quality for widespread clinical use. Conclusions: There is still a lack of evidence to determine the optimal scaffold composition that meets the specific requirements and complexities needed for effectively promoting dental pulp tissue engineering and achieving successful clinical outcomes.

Intentional replantation and dental autotransplantation of mandibular posterior teeth: Two case reports

BACKGROUND

Intentional replantation and dental autotransplantation are 2 similar techniques both involving atraumatic tooth extraction, visualization of the root, and replantation. They are considered as the last resort for unsalvageable teeth. The author aims to describe 2 mandibular posterior teeth with serious periapical lesions which are resolved by intentional replantation and dental autotransplantation, respectively.

CASE SUMMARY

In case 1, a 45-year-old male patient received root canal treatment because of a cracked mandible right first molar with periapical lesions. An endodontic file was separated in the apical third of the mesiolingual root canal. After conventional canal filling of the other root canals, the molar was atraumatically extracted. The separated instrument was removed, the mesiolingual root received a retrograde filling and the molar was replanted. At the 3-month follow up, the patient was asymptomatic and the X-ray picture showed no detectable root resorption and ankylosis. In case 2, a 29-year-old woman reported discomfort during occlusal loading after a root canal treatment and a coronal restoration of the mandibular right first molar. Radiographs showed a low-density shadow in the mesial apical and in the root furcation area of the mandibular first molar so the patient was diagnosed as chronic periapical periodontitis. After the removal of the affected tooth, the extraction socket was thoroughly debrided and irrigated. The intact mandibular right third molar with similar dimensions was extracted by minimally invasive procedure and transplanted. The donor tooth was fixed by a fiber-splint for 1 month and a root canal treatment was performed 2 weeks after surgery. After 1 year, clinical and radiographical examination revealed functional and periodontal healing.

CONCLUSIONS

These 2 reports present the successful management of intentional replantation and dental autotransplantation. Both procedures are recommended after nonsurgical endodontic treatment, especially when apical microsurgery is not an option, for example because of difficult accessibility or patient preference.