A retrospective clinical study on autotransplantation of teeth with complete root formation

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the 5-year survival and success rates of transplanted autologous teeth with complete root formation. Methods: A total of 32 patients admitted to the hospital for 36 cases of tooth autotransplantation with complete root formation from November 2008 to October 2012 were enrolled in this study. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed during the post-operative follow up periods of 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months, respectively. Survival analysis was then conducted and the predictive factors influencing prognosis from the aspects of age, sex and root canal treatment status were investigated. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was adopted for survival analysis and Log-Rank test was used to compare the survival rate and success rate of each single factor. Results: According to each case's last follow-up, the 5-year survival rate of autotransplanted teeth with complete root formation was 83%. Within these cases, the 5-year success rate of the autotransplanted teeth with no apparent periodontitis or apical periodontitis, and the crown to root ratio being less than 1 was 65%. Factors of age and sex of the patients showed no correlation with the prognosis of autotransplantation (P>0.05). Root canal treatment was crucial in preventing transplanted teeth from apical periodontitis and root resorption, and accordingly increased the success rate (P=0.028) of autotransplantation. Conclusions: Autotransplantation with complete root formation has a high 5-year survival rate, and is a viable and alternative method for restoration of tooth loss. Post-operative follow-up should be thoroughly planned and root canal treatment should be performed in order to increase the survival rate and success rates of autotransplantation.