Autologous tooth transplantation to replace molars lost in patients with juvenile periodontitis

A method is described to replace perodontally destroyed first molars in patients with juvenile periodontitis by auto-transplantation of third molars. Fifteen molars which had been extracted due to periodontal destruction were replaced by autologous third molars with incomplete root formation. The patients were then observed for a period up to 7 years. In all cases complete regeneration of the alveolar bone took place and radiographically a normal periodontal membrane was extablished. All of the transplanted teeth continued their root formation and there was no radiographic evidence for root resorption, ankylosis or necrosis of the pulp. None of the transplanted teeth displayed pocket depths over 3 mm and no abnormal mobility was detectable.