LAUSR

Autotransplantation can be a justified procedure with good survival probability. It can be considered an alternative to other treatments, such as prosthodontic replacement of teeth. This retrospective study evaluated autotransplantation of teeth during orthodontic treatment. Treatment was completed at Queen Mary’s Hospital (UK) from 1969–2003. A total of 366 teeth were transplanted in 314 patients. Canines totalled 78% of all autotransplanted teeth. The mean age of the patient was 19 years. Survival probability for the first five years post-autotransplantation was 95%, 94% for the subsequent five years, and 88% after 15 years. The maximum observation period was 34 years, the median two, and the mean four. Of the observed teeth, ten failed and these were lost due to unsuccessful periodontal ligament regeneration and persistent mobility. Apical pathology was observed in 16% of all autotransplanted teeth. In 79% of this subgroup, apical pathology was evident in the first three years post-operatively. Seventy percent of all external resorption also occurred within the first three years. Internal resorption was rare, but its occurrence was mostly observed between the second and sixth year post-transplantation. Fourteen percent of autotransplanted teeth needed root canal therapy, and this was completed within the first six months post-transplantation.