Dental Autotransplantation: The Natural Alternative to Dental Implants

Abstract

Most traumatic dental injuries occur in the preteen males, with the maxillary central incisor being the most commonly avulsed tooth.1,2 When an incisor is lost, its ability to induce growth of the surrounding alveolar bone and gingival tissues is also lost. Therefore, in the maxillary anterior region of a young and growing patient, it is advantageous to replace a missing tooth with a natural tooth that can continue the process of bone induction as the patient continues growing through their teen years. There are currently two techniques to achieve this: 1) Orthodontic substitution 2) Auto transplantation. The methodology and necessary considerations pertaining to autotransplantation are the subject of this publication, and pertinent literature suggests that: a) Ideal donor teeth should be single-rooted, such as a mandibular premolar. b) Donor teeth should be ideally harvested when there is 2/3 to ¾ root development. c) Surgical technique to avoid damaging the periodontal ligament of the donor tooth is absolutely critical. d) Newly autotransplanted teeth should be stabilized for 6-12 weeks with a light orthodontic wire allowing physiologic movement. If the aforementioned protocols are followed, then a success rate of 90% or more can be expected.