Intentional replantation of endodontically treated teeth

Abstract

This article reports 31 cases of intentional replantation with an over all success rate of 80.6% with six recorded failures. Survival times varied from 1 day to 22 years. A second mandibular molar that failed after 3 weeks was replanted successfully a second time with no signs of failure after a 46-month follow-up period. Two cases of intentional replantation of deciduous molars are also reported. We suggest that intentional replantation reduces adverse outcomes and should be considered as another treatment modality and not as a procedure of last resort. This procedure is recommended as the treatment of choice in the following instances: for lower second molars, for single-rooted teeth, and lower first molars when there is difficulty in accessibility to perform apical surgery; when the mental foramen is superimposed over the apex of the premolars; when the molar apex is in proximity to the mandibular canal; when patients object to periradicular surgery; when failures occur after apical surgery, or when surgery would create a periodontal pocket as a result of extensive bone removal. Periradicular surgery with a retroseal is more advantageous for first molars when roots are more curved, widespread, and are more prone to fracture compared with second molars whose roots are more tapered and close together.