Autotransplantation of a mature mandibular third molar as alternative to dental implant placement: Case report

Dental autotransplantation is defined as the movement of one tooth from one position to another, within the same patient. Autotransplantation has predictable results; in fact, many studies describe a success rate of over 90%. This article describes a case report concerning the surgical management of this surgical technique. An 18-year-old patient comes for the treatment of her left first mandibular molar (3.6) involved in decay process. An accurate radiological analysis (periapical X-ray and orthopantomographic evaluation) showed an immature left mandibular third molar (3.8), suitable as donor tooth. The mandibular first molar was extracted in an atraumatic way. The intra-alveolar septum was modified with a piezoelectric device. The tooth was slightly depressed in the socket and remained in infra-occlusion. It was stabilized by sutures and a metallic splint. Then, the autotransplanted molar was fixed with a double splinting for 4 weeks. In conclusion, the autotransplantation was followed by endodontic treatment. After 36 months of follow-up, wisdom tooth showed an improvement in clinical features in agreement with radiological examination. The success of this case can be attributed to the atraumatic surgical technique and the immature stage of the transplanted element.