Guided Osteotomy and Guided Autotransplantation for Treatment of Severely Impacted Teeth: A Proof-of-Concept Report

Abstract

IntroductionThe aim was to present a novel surgical technique using virtually preplanned 3-dimensional (3D)-printed templates for guided osteotomies. These were to ensure atraumatic uncovering of a severely impacted donor tooth including guided drilling of the recipient alveolus followed by a secure autotransplantation procedure. MethodsThis report presents an autotransplantation procedure of a 14-year-old patient with a severely impacted second premolar and extensive contact to the roots of the adjacent teeth and the inferior alveolar nerve. Autotransplantation of the impacted premolar was virtually performed using modified methods from guided implant surgery in order to prefabricate 3D-printed templates with the aid of a fully digital workflow. ResultsSatisfactory treatment could be achieved using surgical templates for guided osteotomies of the surgical access, guided drilling of the recipient site, and occlusal reference template ensuring autotransplantation in the appropriate 3D location of the graft. An atraumatic approach could be ensured with an extraoral time of 46 seconds by 1 fitting attempt; no injuries or altered sensation of the inferior alveolar nerve were present. A vital natural tooth could be observed. ConclusionsThis innovative technique uses for the first time a fully implemented digital workflow for guided osteotomies, guided drilling, and guided autotransplantation of a severely impacted tooth. 3D-printed templates could ensure a guided atraumatic approach and facilitate highly complex treatments by virtually implementing recommended guidelines in future autotransplantations.