Transplantation of mandibular third molar in seventh decade: long-term follow-up and evaluation

Transplantation of a nonfunctional mandibular third molar into the opposite mandibular second molar site, where it was necessary to remove the second molar of a 61-year-old patient, has been reported. There was long-term follow-up and evaluation, with radiographs and clinical examination during the ninth postoperative year. The patient had no complaints related to the transplant at the long-term follow-up visit. The periodontal tissues were in excellent condition. The tooth was firm, and the radiograph demonstrated growth of new attachment by showing lamina dura and periodontal ligament space. There was filling-in of bone in the lateral and periapical areas, and there was no evidence of resorption. A root canal filling had been acquired in the transplant between the second and ninth postoperative years.