Tooth autotransplantation: An exploratory survey of current awareness, utilization and treatment considerations among orthodontists and pediatric dentists in the U.S.

INTRODUCTION

Congenitally or traumatically missing teeth in children create challenges for the dental provider when replacing missing teeth in a developing dental arch. Tooth autotransplantation (AT) has been shown to be a successful alternative to removable and fixed restorations. Yet in the United States, the prevalence of the procedure is unknown, and the barriers to its use are not well-studied. This project explored the current state of AT treatment among U.S. orthodontists and pediatric dentists including awareness, current utilization, and barriers influencing utilization of AT.

METHODS

An exploratory cross-sectional survey was carried out among orthodontists and pediatric dentists.

RESULTS

Almost all respondents (97%) were aware of AT, 30% had recommended it, and only 14% had managed a case. Differences in awareness, utilization, and barriers were compared between specialties and practice demographics. Most frequently reported benefits of AT usage were continuous eruption of the donor tooth, hard and soft tissue periodontal regeneration, and the ability to take advantage of planned extractions. The most significant barriers reported were lack of technical training, lack of dental insurance coverage, and expense of the procedure for the patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a low (1.5%) response rate, the views of responding pediatric dentists and orthodontists support that AT could be a possible solution for providers treating patients with missing teeth. While awareness among respondents was high, clinical adoption was low, highlighting the need to enhance training, multidisciplinary collaboration, and reimbursement strategies.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The clinical significance of this paper is to introduce the concept of dental autotransplantation to the broader dental community by assessing the awareness and perceptions of pediatric dentists and orthodontists. The paper explores the potential benefits of incorporating this technique into clinical practice, identifies barriers that limit its adoption, and highlights the opportunities to improve education, develop interdisciplinary collaboration, and increase patient access to the treatment option.