Immediate autotransplantation of mandibular third molar in China

Abstract

Tooth autotransplantation is a useful surgical method to replace a nonrestorable tooth. We reported our experiences in the replacement of mandibular nonrestorable molars by immediate autotransplantation in a Chinese population. Thirty-five mandibular third molars with open or closed apices from 34 patients were autotransplanted into the same or contralateral fresh recipient sites immediately after the extraction of the nonrestorable mandibular molars. Root canal treatment was routinely performed in the closed-apical molars within 1 month after surgery. Clinical and radiographic examination of the transplanted donor molars was done after surgery. Two teeth were been extracted for progressive root resorption. The remaining 33 autotransplanted teeth were asymptomatic and functioning after a mean follow-up period of 5.2 years. No infection, ankylosis, loss of the transplants, or root resorption was noted in the remaining autotransplanted teeth. Immediate autotransplantation of the mandibular third molar is a reasonable and alternative treatment to replace a nonrestorable tooth in China.