Is dental autotransplantation underestimated and underused by Syrian dentists?

Abstract

Dental autotransplantation (DAT) is a surgical procedure in which a donor's tooth is extracted and transplanted from one site to another in the same person. This treatment modality has received considerable attention worldwide in recent years due to its potential advantages over implants. A survey-based study evaluated dentists’ attitudes towards and practice of DAT in Damascus, Syria from September to December 2020. We asked respondents whether they considered this treatment modality when developing treatment plans and whether they view it viable. Only 73 of the 258 respondents (28.3%) stated that they considered DAT as a treatment option. Additionally, 153 respondents (59.3%) either did not view DAT as a viable treatment option or did not know whether it is viable. DAT was underestimated and underused among Syrian dentists. Given this gap in real-world knowledge and practice, academic dental institutions in Syria should place a greater focus on emerging evidence-based knowledge and protocols regarding this treatment option.

Effect of restoration material on marginal bone resorption around modified anatomic zirconia dental implants: A randomised controlled trial

“…Nevertheless, the study results revealed that the differences in these baseline demographics and their effect were neglectable (P > 0.05). Moreover, lack of patient's acceptability and operator's sufficient experience regarding a treatment modality could cause it, even if viable, to be ignored [ 40 ]. Anatomic zirconia dental implant was not usual treatment modality in the study's geographic scope.…”

Should we predict poor prognosis in autotransplantation of teeth with completed root formation?

“…Dental autotransplantation (DAT) is a dental treatment where a natural donor tooth from the same individual replaces a missing one at the recipient site. DAT can be described as the “ignored chapter of dentistry”, even though literature confirms its therapeutic reliability with predictable success [ 1 ]. In many clinical scenarios, dental practitioners and implantologists plan implants and/or prosthodontic rehabilitations, and ignore DAT even where there is clear indication of DAT.…”

“…In many clinical scenarios, dental practitioners and implantologists plan implants and/or prosthodontic rehabilitations, and ignore DAT even where there is clear indication of DAT. Lack of sufficient knowledge and clinical experience specifically with this treatment modality may be a reason [ 1 ]. Given this gap in DAT knowledge and practice, a greater attention should be drawn to this forgotten chapter of dentistry.…”

Reconsidering some standards in immediate autotransplantation of teeth: Case report with 2-year follow-up

“…This treatment modality has proven good survival and success rates that was estimated to be 98.2% and 96.6% respectively [ 1 ]. Nevertheless, this treatment option has been ignored by many dentists and oral surgeons worldwide and specifically in Syria [ 2 ]. They may exaggerate challenges and believe that DAT will inevitably result in ankylosis, root resorption and/or pulp necrosis especially of transplants with complete root formation.…”