Importance of root development in autotransplantations: a retrospective study of 137 teeth with a follow-up period varying from 1 week to 14 years

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to perform a retrospective study of autotransplanted teeth with a variable but individually maximized follow-up period in order to provide information on the long-term clinical outcome. The sample was obtained from patients who were treated at the University Hospitals KU-Leuven, Belgium, during the period 1996-2010. Of the total of 109 subjects (137 teeth), 98 patients were invited for recall, of whom 68 patients (87 teeth) responded positively. Eleven out of the 109 patients were excluded due to loss of the transplanted tooth. Although 41 patients had no re-examination visit, clinical and radiological data from all 109 subjects were included in the sample. The follow-up period varied from 1 week of 14.8 years, with a mean of 4.9 years. Transplanted teeth receiving orthodontic treatment had a lower risk of ankylosis and were less likely to fail. The risk of root resorption was lower for teeth with stages one-half to three-quarters of root length at the time of transplantation. Molars were more susceptible to ankylosis. Almost all teeth showed partial or full obliteration of the pulp. Absence of further root development was higher in donor teeth with root length stage less than one-half. Trans-alveolar transplantation was less successful. Autotransplantation can be a valid alternative method in young adolescents for replacing missing teeth because of agenesis or trauma. The optimal time to transplant is when the root has reached two-thirds to three-quarters of the final root length.

Tooth autotransplantation as a pillar for 3D regeneration of the alveolar process after severe traumatic injury: A case report

“…Autotransplantation of a natural tooth into the site of another tooth has significant advantages over dental implants, particularly for periodontal ligament (PDL) and alveolar bone development . A large variation of success and survival rates has been reported in the literature.…”

“…A large variation of success and survival rates has been reported in the literature. Several reasons could account for this variation such as differences in sample size/tooth type, variations in post‐operative periods and different definitions of success …”

“…Tooth autotransplantation refers to the transfer of a tooth in the same individual from one site in the mouth to an extraction socket or a surgically prepared site . The procedure is generally carried out in young patients with agenesia, dental trauma or destructive caries in molars without complete root formation . A success rate of almost 98% has been reported when teeth are atraumatically transplanted and the extraoral time is kept to a minimum .…”

Calcium Hydroxide Treatment Does Not Alter the Susceptibility of Enterococcus faecalis Biofilms to Sodium Hypochlorite

“…Since the early works of Slagsvold and Bjerke (1, 2) in the 1970s, numerous studies have described techniques, longterm evaluation protocols, indications, contraindications, and success rates better than 90%; however, these results were influenced by certain factors such as the stage of root development, presence or absence of a recipient alveolar socket, age of the patient, type of splint, time left in place, aesthetic and oral health perception, and even subsequent orthodontic treatment (3,5,7,8,(13)(14)(15). Recently, this technique has been described as an alternative treatment in cases of cleft palate and ankylosed upper incisor (16,17).…”

“…At this developmental stage there is a high risk of affecting or damaging Hertwig's epithelial sheath during extraction and/or implantation and therefore further root development and growth could be severely affected or completely prevented (3,5,14). A recent 12-year follow up of autotransplanted teeth indicated that surgical extraction of the donor tooth was associated with a significantly higher incidence of inflammatory root resorption (18).…”