Long term outcomes of en-block autotransplantation of a tooth.

Abstract

Repositioning of impacted teeth in the dental arch through en-bloc autotransplantation showed short-term efficacy of 89%. The objective of this study was to evaluate the technique for long-term efficacy. The analysis involved 23 teeth transplanted to the alveolar ridge through harvesting the tooth with the adjacent bone tissue. Development of the root was completed and the apical foramen was closed in all the teeth. The teeth were examined clinically and radiologically (CBCT) and compared to contralateral ones. The obtained data were analysed statistically. The efficacy of the procedure amounted to 81% including two teeth lost at an early stage and another two lost during follow-up. The mean age of patients upon performing the procedure was 29.8. The long-term follow-up amounted to the mean of 34.3months. In the study group recession of 1-2mm as well as 3-5mm was found, which was not noted on the control group. In 11.1% of the study group teeth the external root resorption was observed. No transplanted tooth underwent root canal treatment, no periapical changes were observed at CBCT and 77.8% of those showed positive reaction to ethyl chloride. One case of ankylosis was observed in tooth 11 and in two cases increased mobility of the transplanted tooth was found. Regeneration of nerves as well as revascularization in the en-bloc autotransplantation proceeded with high predictability and the risk of ankylosis of the treated tooth seemed to be negligible. Gingival recession was observed more often in case of en-bloc transplantation compared to the control group. The long-term follow-up suggested that this the technique does not prevent external resorption in 100%.