Long-term evaluation of autotransplanted third molars

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long term clinical and radiographic outcome and stability after trans- plantation of third molar with complete root formation. Methods: The subjects were 31 teeth (male 17, female 14, aged 22-55, average 39.9 yr old) of 31 patients who visited the department of periodontics and passed more than two years after autotransplantation procedure and still under regular check up. Modified success criteria of Chamberlin and Goerig was applied to determine the success of autotransplantation. Results: Three out of 31 teeth failed and resulted 90.3% of success rate. When compared according to sex, 15 out of 17 teeth had succeeded in male, 13 out of 14 succeeded in female. When compared the success rate according to cause of ex- traction, tooth loss due to caries and root fracture had all succeeded but 3 out of 24 had failed in tooth loss due to periodontal disease. When compared according to donor teeth, 12 out of 14 maxillary third molars and 16 out of 17 man- dibular third molars had succeeded. Conclusions: In long term evaluation over two years, if appropriate surgical procedure and proper case selection is made, autotransplantation of the third molar with complete root formation can be the alternative choice that substitutes prosthetic or implant treatment and it is a functionally acceptable procedure. (J Korean Acad Periodontol 2009;39:431-435)