Autotransplantation: A biological treatment alternative for a patient after traumatic dental injury

Tooth Autotransplantation as an Alternative Biological Treatment: A Literature Review

Tooth autotransplantation is the treatment modality in which a tooth is transferred from one site to another in the same person. This technique has a history of centuries. However, it is not well-known or well-documented. Essential aspects of the clinical procedure, criteria for performing tooth autotransplantation, advantages, disadvantages, and complications are also discussed in the review. It has been a public health concern considering the prevalence of dental trauma in children, the financial burden of treatment, and the long recovery times associated with dental injuries. There is evidence that tooth autotransplantation is an effective method of restoring missing teeth, particularly for growing children. Even if autotransplantation fails, the soft tissue and bone conditions would likely still be suitable for subsequent implant treatment. Appropriate patient and tooth selection are essential to the technique's success. Other prognostic factors are also discussed. The findings from the available literature suggest that tooth autotransplantation is a viable and cost-effective technique. This paper discusses the literature and protocols the authors implemented for autotransplantation of the tooth.

Orthodontic treatment of a skeletal Class III malocclusion with severe root resorption of the maxillary anterior teeth. Autotransplantation using a 3-dimensional printed replica of the donor tooth

This case report describes the successful orthodontic treatment of a 12-year-old girl with skeletal Class III malocclusion and severe root resorption of the maxillary anterior teeth. Ectopic eruption and mesial inclination of the bilateral maxillary canines caused severe root resorption of the right central and lateral incisors and the left lateral incisor. These 3 teeth were extracted, and traction was applied to the maxillary right and left canines toward the extracted right central incisor and left lateral incisor, respectively. In the mandibular arch, the bilateral first premolars were extracted, and the crowding was corrected. The extracted mandibular right first premolar was transplanted after extraction of the maxillary right lateral incisor. To prepare for the tooth transplantation, a cone-beam computed tomography image was used to fabricate a 3-dimensional printed replica of the donor tooth. The crown shape of the maxillary anterior teeth was corrected, and the patient achieved functional occlusion with pleasing esthetics. Root resorption was negligible in the transplanted tooth. This study demonstrates the satisfactory treatment outcome and an effective 3-dimensional simulation for tooth transplantation.