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A prospective study on transplantation of third molars with complete root formation
Bertil Mejàre1, Karin Wannfors, Leif Jansson
1Department of Endodontics, Dental Speciality Care, St Erik's hosptital, Stockholm County Counsil, Sweden.
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.