A prospective study on transplantation of third molars with complete root formation.

OBJECTIVE

The study objective was to evaluate the prognosis for autotransplantation of third molar teeth with fully developed roots followed by endodontic treatment on the basis of a time-table analysis.

STUDY

DESIGN

A total of 50 third molars with completely developed roots were autotransplanted to replace a lost first or second molar in the same number of admitted patients. Root canal treatment was started 3 to 4 weeks later. Clinical and radiographic checkup of the transplanted and root-filled third molars was done annually according to a predesigned record form. Descriptive statistics including a life table and statistical analysis were performed.

RESULTS

The cumulative survival rate during 4 years' follow-up was 81.4%. In all, 7 transplants were lost during the follow-up time, 4 of them due to marginal periodontal pathosis and the other 3 due to root resorption. None of the root resorptions was observed before the second postoperative year. The radiographic periapical status was considered normal in 96% of the transplants at the latest follow-up visit.

CONCLUSIONS

Autotransplantation of mature third molar teeth is a reasonable treatment alternative to conventional prosthetic rehabilitation or implant treatment in cases of partial edentualism from both a therapeutic and an economic point of view.