Autotransplantation- A Literature Review

A significant number of dental patients have premature loss of their first and second molars because of severe caries, periodontal disease, endodontic failure or trauma. In children and adolescents, bridgework and implants are not feasible for replacement of these edentulous areas as they may impede the normal growth of facial bones, in particular, of the alveolar process, and are hence contraindicated. Transplantation of a tooth of the same individual with incomplete root formation may be a viable alternative solution in such cases as both alveolar growth and root development shall be unimpeded. Successful tooth autotransplantation offers enhanced esthetics, arch form integrity, mastication, speech and dentofacial development. Autotransplantation generally has not been a common procedure in clinical dental practice, but since few years it is being considered as a reasonable alternative to conventional prosthetic and implant rehabilitation from both economic and therapeutic standpoints. Appropriate criteria for optimal case selection are discussed. Several advantages with some possible iatrogenic damages and side-effects are also described. Critical factors that may influence the outcome of the transplant have also been proposed. Literature based recommendations are made.