Tooth transplantation after dental injury sequelae in children

Ten immature autotransplanted lower premolars from six patients from 7 to 12 years of age were studied and assessed clinically and radiographically at Regional Clinical Hospital in Temuco between January 2004 and April 2006. All transplantations were performed both because of a missing anterior tooth by dental trauma or by healing complications after injuries. The mean age at the time of the surgery was 10 years (range 7-12 years) and the postoperative follow-up period varied from 5 to 27 months with a mean of 16.9 months. All teeth were stabilized with flexible composite resin wire splints. Within the follow-up period, clinical evaluation was made through percussion and mobility tests. At radiographic evaluation, pulpal canal obliteration (PCO), presence of perirradicular area, inflammatory root resorption (IRR), replacement resorption (RR), stage of root development, lamina dura formation, outline of the periodontal membrane, and arrest in root growth were registered. Pulp healing was observed in 6 of 10 teeth; the other transplanted teeth developed pulp necrosis after 6-8 months possibly related to operative aesthetic procedures. Four teeth showed different grades of PCO at radiographic examination. None of transplanted teeth developed replacement resorption or ankylosis. In this 27-month follow-up period, the survival rate was 100%, regarding aesthetics, function, clinical appearance, and radiographic image of alveolar process.