Autotransplantation of Premolars With a 3-Dimensional Printed Titanium Replica of the Donor Tooth Functioning as a Surgical Guide: Proof of Concept

Abstract

Autotransplantation of premolars is a good treatment option for young patients who have missing teeth. This study evaluated the use of a preoperatively 3-dimensional (3D)-printed replica of the donor tooth that functions as a surgical guide during autotransplantation. Five consecutive procedures were prospectively observed. Transplantations of maxillary premolars with optimal root development were included in this study. A 3D-printed replica of the donor tooth was used to prepare a precisely fitting new alveolus at the recipient site before extracting the donor tooth. Procedure time, extra-alveolar time, and number of attempts needed to achieve a good fit of the donor tooth in the new alveolus were recorded. For each transplantation procedure, the surgical time was shorter than 30minutes. An immediate good fit of the donor tooth in the new alveolus was achieved with an extra-alveolar time shorter than 1minute for all transplantations. These results show that the extra-alveolar time is very short when the surgical guide is used; therefore, the chance of iatrogenic damage to the donor tooth is minimized. The use of a replica of the donor tooth makes the autotransplantation procedure easier for the surgeon and facilitates optimal placement of the transplant.