Autotransplantation of premolars and molars in patients with tooth aplasia

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate retrospectively a group of patients who had undergone autotransplantation of teeth. Methods: The study group comprised 29 patients who had had a total of 31 teeth autotransplanted (22 premolars and nine molars). Seventeen premolars and one molar were moved from the upper to the lower jaw. The remaining premolars and molars were moved within the same quadrant. Twenty-three teeth were transplanted in cases of agenis, two in cases of ectopic eruption, and six after loss of the first molar. The observation period varied from 3 to 16 years (average 8 years). The patients were examined clinically, and radiographs were taken of the autotransplanted teeth. In addition, the patients were asked to complete a questionnaire. Results: By the end of the observation periods, four autotransplanted teeth had been extracted due to root fracture, caries, or external root resorption. In three of the patients who had lost their transplanted teeth and where no replacement had been inserted, the dentition had remained stable without tipping, rotations, or elongation. Most of the patients were happy with the autotransplantation and satisfied with the information that they had received in connection with the surgery. Conclusion: Although not a frequent procedure, it was concluded that autotransplantation had a good prognosis after an (average) observation period of 8 years.