Autotransplantation of teeth (I). Indications for transplantation with a follow-up of 51 cases

The indications for autotransplantation of teeth in 45 patients have been analysed together with a follow-up of the success rate of surgery. Most of the transplants were mature teeth, 37 out of 51, with closed apex. The majority of transplantations were carried out in order to replace single tooth losses (40) but in 11 cases, the teeth were used as an abutment in prosthetic rehabilitation. In 14 cases, an impacted tooth was transplanted to its normal position. The follow-up ranged from 3 months up to 10 years. No progressive root resorption has been observed so far; only 6 cases with slight surface resorption. Clinical signs of anchylosis were noticed in 4 teeth and shallow bone defects in 6 patients. Small- or medium-sized periapical destructions were observed in 4 cases. Mature transplanted teeth were always subjected to endodontic therapy within a month; the immobilisation varied between 2-4 weeks, while trying to keep it as short as possible with maintained stability. The experiences so far achieved do encourage a more comprehensive use of the method to solve problems associated with oral rehabilitation, from both prosthodontic and orthodontic points of view.