Tooth Autotransplantation as an Alternative Biological Treatment: A Literature Review

Abstract

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 welldocumented. 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.

Anterior tooth autotransplantation: a case series

“…Although the survival and success of a tooth transplant are influenced by numerous variables, 3 maintenance of a healthy periodontal ligament is of primary importance. 2,17 The average autotransplantation success rate is reported to exceed 80% if the root of the transplant is immature at the time of surgery, with the ideal root developmental stage suggested to be one-half to three-quarters of the normal root length using Moorrees' root classification. 47,48 A premolar tooth with sufficiently long roots (i.e.…”

“…desirable rootto-crown ratio), yet still has an open apex at the time of autotransplantation is an ideal donor candidate, as there is still enough room at the apex for revascularization. 2 It has been suggested that the ideal age for transplanting premolars is approximately 12 years of age, 25 as the completion of root development of these teeth has been reported to occur around 13-14 years of age. 49 Despite this suggestion, this case series demonstrates favourable autotransplantation outcomes in patients ranging in age from 9 years and 5 months to 13 years old at the time of the surgical procedure.…”

“…A premolar tooth with sufficiently long roots (i.e. desirable root‐to‐crown ratio), yet still has an open apex at the time of autotransplantation is an ideal donor candidate, as there is still enough room at the apex for revascularization 2 . It has been suggested that the ideal age for transplanting premolars is approximately 12 years of age, 25 as the completion of root development of these teeth has been reported to occur around 13–14 years of age 49 …”

“…1 This technique can be implemented to relocate a suitable donor tooth to a recipient site where its functional and/or aesthetic properties can provide greater value. 2 Autotransplantation can be utilized for both anterior and posterior tooth replacement. 3 Unfortunately, teeth in the anterior segment or "aesthetic zone" of the mouth may be congenitally missing, impacted, or experience decline due to previous traumatic injury.…”

“…The transfer of a tooth within the same individual is known as tooth autotransplantation 1 . This technique can be implemented to relocate a suitable donor tooth to a recipient site where its functional and/or aesthetic properties can provide greater value 2 . Autotransplantation can be utilized for both anterior and posterior tooth replacement 3 …”