Intentional Replantation with an Atraumatic Extraction System in Teeth with Extensive Cervical Resorption

External cervical resorption (ECR) often renders a tooth nonrestorable, especially if it extends deeply within the dental hard tissue. Intentional replantation is sometimes performed as the last resort to save the tooth but may limit conventional forceps extraction because of the high risk of periodontal ligament cell damage or crown fracture.This case report describes the intentional replantation of an upper central incisor with extensive ECR using an axial, atraumatic extraction system to save the otherwise hopeless tooth. The patient was an asymptomatic 37-year-old man with no contributing medical history. The treatment protocol included atraumatic extraction followed by granulation tissue removal, extraoral root canal treatment, and adhesive restoration of the extensive resorption defect. During extraoral manipulation, the utmost care was taken to prevent root surface drying, contamination with dental adhesive, or heat-induced periodontal ligament damage during curing. Two and a half years after replantation, clinical and radiographic examinations revealed normal healing and no symptoms but a slight reduction of bone level compared with the preoperative level and no signs of root resorption or ankylosis. The successful outcome in this case supports the idea of performing intentional replantation with an atraumatic extraction system to save teeth with extensive cervical root resorption and a high risk of fracture during extraction.