Autotransplantation of a completely developed impacted maxillary canine: A 7-year follow-up case report.

BACKGROUND

Impacted maxillary canines are likely to be extracted in adult patients once orthodontic treatment is ruled out. The missing teeth are generally replaced with dental implants.

CASE DESCRIPTION: The authors report the clinical case of a 45-year-old man who was missing the maxillary left canine for 30 years. Radiographic examination revealed that the maxillary permanent left canine was palatally impacted. The tooth was transplanted into the prepared socket on the missing tooth site and secured in the desired position with a flexible wire splint. During the 7-year follow-up, the tooth remained clinically sound with no radiographic manifestation of inflammatory or root resorption.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The prognosis for the transplanted tooth was favorable after long-term follow-up observation. This result suggests that autotransplantation of impacted maxillary canines can be a viable treatment option for some adult patients who expect to retain their natural teeth.