5-year longitudinal study of survival rate and periodontal parameter changes at sites of maxillary canine autotransplantation.

BACKGROUND: Although dental transplantation is an accepted treatment modality, few studies have evaluated the prognosis for autotransplantation of maxillary canines, and changes in clinical periodontal parameters still need to be demonstrated. The objectives of this long-term study were to evaluate the prognosis and changes in clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), soft tissue recession (REC), and radiographic bone level changes between years 1 and 5 for autotransplanted maxillary canines.

METHODS: Thirty subjects with 32 impacted canines were scheduled for transplantation. Transplanted teeth were splinted for 4 weeks, and endodontic treatments were performed within 1 year after the operation. Radiographs were taken, and PD and CAL were measured for up to 5 years. Progressive root resorption was observed in two teeth, and one tooth was extracted during year 4.

RESULTS: The survival rate was 93.5%. CAL and PD tended to increase slightly at all sites, especially at palatal sites after transplantation, whereas the greatest CAL and PD were found at approximal sites, and REC was the same as natural teeth.

CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary canine transplantation can be a reliable treatment alternative. Clinical measurements demonstrated long-term stability. Based on the literature and the present findings, maxillary canine transplantation can be suggested as a promising treatment modality.