Autologous Tooth Transplantation in Craniofacial Malformations

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Craniofacial Anomalies Research

Background:

• Craniofacial anomalies often present dental rehabilitation challenges in young patients.
• Tooth transplantation is a potential treatment option for missing teeth in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the applicability and success of tooth transplantation in pediatric patients with craniofacial anomalies.
• To assess the long-term outcomes of transplanted teeth in this specific patient group.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study including 17 patients with 23 tooth transplantations.
• Data collected from clinical records, radiographs, and operative charts.
• Minimum follow-up of 1.5 years, with a median of 6.7 years.

Main Results:

• A pooled survival and success rate of 91% was observed for transplanted teeth.
• Two teeth required extraction due to complications (resorption, perio-endo lesion).
• One patient needed endodontic treatment for pulp necrosis.

Conclusions:

• Tooth transplantation is a reliable and suitable procedure for dental rehabilitation in young patients with craniofacial anomalies.
• Craniofacial teams are encouraged to consider tooth transplantation more often in appropriate cases.