Allogeneic tooth transplantation in the dog.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Dentistry
• Oral Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Dental fractures are common in dogs, necessitating effective replacement strategies.
• Allogeneic tooth transplantation (using teeth from a different individual) is explored as a viable treatment option.
• This study assesses the long-term functional and aesthetic outcomes of allogeneic canine tooth transplants in dogs.

Observation:

• Seven dogs received allogeneic canine tooth transplants; five were research animals and two were clinical patients.
• Transplants were performed immediately after extraction in research dogs and on teeth with prior endodontic or fracture history in clinical cases.
• One research transplant failed early due to surgical error; others showed firm anchorage but non-viability.

Findings:

• Four research transplants remained stable for 18 months, with root resorption and bone replacement noted at 24 months.
• Clinical transplants showed variable success: one lasted 3 months before fracturing, another failed within 3 months due to inflammation, and one remained stable for 38 months.
• Long-term function was compromised by gradual root resorption and ankylosis, leading to likely tooth fracture after two years.

Implications:

• Allogeneic tooth transplantation presents a potentially rapid and cost-effective method for replacing fractured teeth in dogs.
• While initially successful, the procedure's long-term efficacy is limited by biological processes like root resorption and ankylosis.
• Further research may optimize techniques to mitigate resorption and improve the longevity of allogeneic dental implants in veterinary patients.