Autotransplantation of teeth: an overview

Autotransplantation is the surgical repositioning of a tooth within the same patient. It can be thought of as a controlled avulsion and re-implantation of a tooth in a new, surgically prepared socket. The indications for its use are discussed, as too are factors affecting the success and the clinical procedures. The preservation and regeneration of the periodontal ligament is the key to success of this treatment. A case involving the transplantation of a premolar tooth into the central incisor location in a child is presented to show the different stages of the process.

Autotransplantation is an underutilized technique which, when used within a multidisciplinary team, can offer an ideal treatment option for child or adolescent patients with missing or failing anterior teeth.