[Outcome of wisdom tooth germ transplantation]

In 68 patients, 79 tooth germs of the third molar were transplanted. Out of this group, 43 patients with 50 transplantations under-went a follow-up examination. All surgery was performed by one surgeon. Retrospectively, we tried to establish whether the success of postoperative healing depends on the donor and receiver regions. Crossing the jaw border clearly worsens the prognosis for transplantation. Altogether 9 transplantations turned out to be failures, 7 of which had been transplanted from the upper to the lower jaw. The results of this investigation showed incomplete root development in 34%, the necessity of endodontic treatment in 6% and enlarged periodontal pockets in 8%. Ankylosed teeth were found in 10%; we did not see any root resorptions.