Replantation of a mandibular molar: report of case

A patient with an alveolar abscess, swelling, pain, and an extremely mobile tooth had had previous root canal treatment. Extraction was recommended but, with informed consent and the patient's desire to keep his tooth, intentional replantation was performed as a last resort. Matsura's method of canal preparation, which results in a large area of amalgam on the root surface, was used. This method did not impair healing. According to Bjorvatn and Massler, 11 application of 1% SNF2 to the root surfaces for five minutes reduces root resorption. This technique was not used in this case. Clinical and radiographic observation for almost four years substantiate this as a successful case.