Two-Phase Transplantation (TPTX) Concept: A New Approach for Instant Rehabilitation of Young Children after Avulsion of Central Incisor

Abstract

Background: To present a new idea for rapid management of tooth avulsion in young children and adolescents (age: 6 to 16) by this case report. Case presentation: A nine-year-old boy presented with loss of upper permanent central incisor in early mixed dentition (6 to 10 years, phase I).The not yet fully resorbed primary canine was used as tooth transplant for the lost incisor. The intentional renounce on endodontic treatment of the primary transplant permits natural exfoliation of the transplant occurring either spontaneously or due to undermining resorption through the adjacent erupting teeth. In the late mixed dentition (10 to 16 years, phase II), the primary tooth transplant is electively removed and replaced by a premolar autotransplant for long-term rehabilitation of the meanwhile adolescent patient. Results: Primary canine autoTX acts as a temporary denture with instant surgical gap closure. Ensuing premolar autoTX in phase II then acts as permanent denture with excellent 10 years survival rates. Patient satisfaction issued by a questionnaire resulted in good to very good school grades for both phases of autotransplantation. Conclusions: The "TPTX" concept is a new surgical approach that immediately restores the patient's function and aesthetics after tooth loss in early childhood supporting the growth of local bone and soft tissue in the growing adolescent jaw.