New complementary alternatives in third molar autotransplantation: A systematic review

Dental autotransplantation (DAT) is defined as the replacement or direct transfer of an impacted, semi-impacted or erupted tooth to a donor site, either to a post-extraction socket or to a surgically created socket within the same individual. The use of new technological advances, such as 3-D dental models based on computer-aided design, among others, have been reported to improve the success rate of DAT. Therefore, we aimed to perform a systematic review to explore the possible benefits that the use of these innovative techniques can provide when applied to DAT.

The literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases following the PRISMA guidelines. The research question was: "Are computerized technological advancements a useful tool for improving the success of third molar autotransplantation technique?

The initial literature search identified 195 articles, of which only 11 were included for qualitative analysis. All studies used 3D dental models based on computer-aided design data. Surgical guides and stereolithographic models were used by 4 and 1 study respectively. A total of 91 transplanted teeth were evaluated, out of which only 88 were considered within the parameters of clinical success (96.7%). Only 7 out of the 11 articles reported the specific autotransplanted tooth, being mandibular third molars the most prevalent autotransplanted teeth.

Although the application of new technologies for DAT increases the success rate of this technique, further primary studies are still needed to address long-term teeth survival rates and complications. The cost and availability to implement the integration of these techniques to DAT may be a variable to consider, as this can be a limitation for some patients or for low-income countries.