Multidisciplinary Approach for Autotransplantation and Restoration of a Maxillary Premolar into an Area of an Avulsed Anterior Tooth: A Case Report with a 6-Year Follow-up

Abstract

The loss of an anterior tooth because of avulsion has been reported in up to 3% of dental injuries. Management alternatives, such as implant-supported restorations and a fixed partial denture, are contraindicated in growing patients because of the continuous growth of the alveolar process. At the same time, orthodontic treatment for gap closure will result in asymmetry and will require adjustment of the adjacent healthy teeth. Therefore, restoring a missing tooth imposes a treatment challenge, especially in children and young adults. Tooth autotransplantation is a treatment modality with high reported survival and success rates that overcome these mentioned limitations. It might also help to preserve the alveolar bone and the soft tissues. This case report describes a multidisciplinary approach for managing a 13-year-old boy who lost his right maxillary central incisor because of a fall. Management included autotransplantation of the left maxillary second premolar to the site of the lost right maxillary central incisor, management of external inflammatory resorption with an endodontic treatment, orthodontic treatment, and aesthetic restoration of the area with composite resin crowns that can be adapted to the expected changes of the jaws during the craniofacial growing period. At the 6-year follow-up, the teeth demonstrated a positive outcome.