Tooth autotransplantation: an overview and case study

It is not uncommon for children or young adults to have congenitally missing teeth or early loss of teeth from trauma or caries. The restorative options are typically bridges, implants, and removable appliances. Often overlooked and misunderstood, another treatment option exists in autotransplantation, where a tooth is moved from one site to another in the same individual. Autotransplantation is well studied and has predictable results comparable to implants, with reported success rates often greater than 90%. This article will provide an overview of autotransplantation, its indications, advantages, complications, and treatment considerations, along with a case of a third molar autotransplant that will serve to highlight these points.