[Immunological aspects of dental transplants]

The recent literature on dental transplants in man and experimental models is reviewed. The histopathological and immunological aspects of the methods and results are critically analysed in function of the clinical applicability of this alternative to prosthesis. The different effects of mature tooth and germ transplants are considered in the light of experiments on various mammals, together with the contribution made by the various dental tissues to the taking of the transplant, and its acceptance or rejection by the host. Finally, questions associated with the establishment of a teeth bank and its potential creation of a sufficient supply of organs for transplantation are discussed.