From Concept to Clinical Practice: A Review of Autotransplantation Techniques and Their Impact on Dentistry

The goal of autotransplantation of teeth (ATT) is to provide the patient with a functioning tooth to replace a missing one. In dentistry, this surgery has gained significant approval and popularity; nonetheless, there is still a shortage of thorough evidence about its long-term effects. Tooth transplantation has a rich historical pedigree, and the main factors determining its success are the extra-alveolar period, proper splinting, periodontal ligament treatment, and root growth stage. With its high reported survival rate, autotransplantation is a potential therapeutic option, especially when it comes to replacing damaged anterior maxillary teeth. Collaboration between orthodontists, pediatric dentists, restorative dentists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons is necessary for the successful execution of this treatment. The extra-alveolar period, proper splinting, periodontal ligament treatment, and the stage of root growth are the main factors that determine success. Although there are many applications for autotransplantation, a good functional and cosmetic result depends on careful patient selection and a proper surgical approach. It is not practical to replace lost teeth in children and teenagers with bridgework or implants as this may interfere with the proper development of the alveolar process and other facial bones. As such, these techniques are not recommended. Alternatively, implanting a tooth from the same person without fully forming its roots might be a good substitute. This method promotes improved mastication, speech, dentofacial development, aesthetics, and arch form integrity by enabling unhindered alveolar growth and root development. Although tooth autotransplantation has not been widely used in clinical dentistry, it is currently seen as a viable option that can replace traditional prosthetics and implant rehabilitation in both financial and medical terms. This review examines several benefits, possible iatrogenic harms, side effects, and important variables that might affect the result of the transplant, in addition to suitable criteria for the best-case selection. It also offers recommendations based on the literature.