Case of Pulp Regeneration Following Autologous Transplantation of an Incompletely Rooted Tooth

TL;DR

A tooth with an incomplete root was successfully transplanted and showed healthy root development and pulp regeneration over 11 years.

Contribution

Demonstrates successful pulp regeneration and long-term stability in autologous tooth transplantation with an incompletely rooted donor tooth.

Findings

Radiographs showed stable periodontal tissue and root apical condition over 11 years.

Root formation in the transplanted tooth proceeded smoothly without complications.

Pulp remained vital without requiring root canal treatment or showing calcification.

Abstract

Autologous tooth transplantation is a procedure that involves the replacement of a natural tooth with another at a new site or a surgically created recipient wound. With an appropriate selection of indications, studies report over 90% survival rates for transplanted teeth, even after 10 years. In this report, we presented a case of an incomplete rooted maxillary right third molar that was transplanted into the mandibular right first molar area. We also evaluated the stability of periodontal tissue, root development, and pulp regeneration after autologous tooth transplantation. The patient was a 20-year-old female who presented with the chief complaint of caries in the right mandibular first molar. The affected tooth was diagnosed as suitable for extraction because the crown decay progressed from the subgingival region to the furcation. Autologous tooth transplantation was performed using a right maxillary third molar with an incomplete root as the donor's tooth. After 6, 9, and 11 years of follow-up, radiographs showed stable periodontal tissue and a root apical condition. Root formation in the transplanted tooth proceeded smoothly without any problems. Root canal treatment was not required because the pulp demonstrated signs of vital response, and no stenosis or calcification of the pulp cavity was observed. The transplanted tooth also had a satisfactory occlusal function. Autologous tooth transplantation is a useful option for occlusal reconstruction following tooth extraction.

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