Skip to main content

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

  • Clinical
  • Published:

Autotransplantation of third molars: a literature review and preliminary protocols

Abstract

Tooth autotransplantation (the movement of a tooth from one site to another in the same person) is a technique with a history dating back many centuries. However, the use of third molars as donor teeth is perhaps less well-recognised and less documented. A review of the current literature was undertaken with particular attention to the use of the third molar as the donor tooth. The selection process, surgical procedure and follow-up pathways were summarised in the review. Appropriate patient selection was found to be a key factor in the success of the technique. Other prognostic factors were also discussed. The findings from the available literature suggest that autotransplantation is a viable and cost-effective technique. However, the literature relating to the use of third molars as donor teeth for autotransplantation is limited and there are currently no evidence-based guidelines or protocols relating to the technique. This paper discusses the literature and protocols the authors implement for autotransplantation of wisdom teeth.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution

Access options

Rent or buy this article

Prices vary by article type

from$1.95

to$39.95

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Natiella J R, Armitage J E, Greene G W. The replantation and transplantation of teeth: A review. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1970; 29: 397-419.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Cohen A S, Shen T C, Pogrel M A. Transplanting teeth successfully: autografts and allografts that work. J Am Dent Assoc 1995; 126: 481-453.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Pearson S. Transplanting of Teeth. 2017. Available at https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/libraryandpublications/library/blog/transplantingofteeth/ (accessed October 2019).

  4. Hale M L. Autogenous transplants. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1956; 9: 76-83.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Stenvik A, Zachrisson B U. Missing anterior teeth: orthodontic closure and transplantation as viable options to conventional replacements. Endod Topics 2006; 14: 41−50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Zakershahrak M, Moshari A, Vatanpour M, Khalilak Z, Jalali Ara A. Autogenous Transplantation for Replacing a Hopeless Tooth. Iran Endod J 2017; 12: 124-127.

  7. Mendes R A, Rocha G. Mandibular Third Molar Autotransplantation - Literature Review with Clinical Cases. J Can Dent Assoc 2004; 70: 761-766.

  8. Nimčenko T, Omerca G, Varinauskas V, Bramanti E, Signorino F, Cicciù M. Tooth auto-transplantation as an alternative treatment option: A literature review. Dent Res J (Isfahan) 2013; 10: 1-6.

  9. EzEldeen M, Wyatt J, Al-Rimawi A et al. Use of CBCT Guidance for Tooth Autotransplantation in Children. J Dent Res 2019; 98: 406-413.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Anssari Moin D, Verweij J P, Waars H, van Merkesteyn R, Wismeijer D. Accuracy of Computer-Assisted Template-Guided Autotransplantation of Teeth With Custom Three-Dimensional Designed/Printed Surgical Tooling: A Cadaveric Study. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2017; DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2016.12.049.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Tsukiboshi M. Autotransplantation of teeth: requirements for predictable success. Dent Traumatol 2002; 18: 157-180.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Czochrowska E M, Stenvik A, Bjercke B, Zachrisson B U. Outcome of tooth transplantation: Survival and success rates 17-41 years posttreatment. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2002; 121: 110-119.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Andreason J O, Paulsen H U, Yu Z, Bayer T, Schwartz O. A long-term study of 370 autotransplanted premolars. Part II. Tooth survival and pulp healing subsequent to transplantation. Eur J Orthod 1990; 12: 14-24.

  14. Andreasen J O, Andreasen F M, Andersson L (eds). Textbook and Colour Atlas of Traumatic Injuries to the Teeth. 4th edn. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2007.

  15. Mainkar A. A Systematic Review of the Survival of Teeth Intentionally Reimplanted with a Modern Technique and Cost-effectiveness Compared with Single-tooth implants. J Endod 2017; 43: 1963-1968.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Mejàre B, Wannfors K, Jansson L. A prospective study on transplantation of third molars with complete root formation. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Radiol Endod 2004; 97: 231-238.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Yu H J, Jia P, Lv Z, Qiu L X. Autotransplantation of third molars with completely formed roots into surgically created sockets and fresh extraction sockets: A 10-year comparative study. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2017; 46: 531-538.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Akiyama Y, Fukuda H, Hashimoto K. A clinical and radiographic study of 25 autotransplanted third molars. J Oral Rehabil 1998; 25: 640-644.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Yan Q, Li B, Long X. Immediate autotransplantation of mandibular third molar in China. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2010; 110: 436-440.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Bauss O, Schwestka-Polly R, Schilke R, Kiliaridis S. Effects of Different Splinting Methods and Fixation Periods on Root Development of Autotransplanted Immature Third Molars. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2005; 63: 304-310.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Nimčenko T, Omerca G, Bramanti E, Cervino G, Laino L, Cicciù M. Autogenous wisdom tooth transplantation: A case series with 6-9 months follow-up. Dent Res J 2014; 11: 705-710.

  22. Chagas e Silva M H, Lacerda M F, Chaves Md, Campos C N. Autotransplantation of a Mandibular Third Molar: A Case Report with 5 Years of Follow-up. Braz Dent J 2013; 24: 289-294.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Akkocaoglu M, Kasaboglu O. Success rate of autotransplanted teeth without stabilisation by splints: a long-term clinical and radiological follow-up. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2005; 43: 31-35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Machado L A, Nascimento R R, Ferreira D M, Mattos C T, Vilella O V. Long-term prognosis of tooth autotransplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2016; 45: 610-617.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Chung W C, Tu Y K, Lin Y H, Lu H K. Outcomes of autotransplanted teeth with complete root formation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Periodontol 2014; 41: 412-423.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Andreason J O. Autotransplantation of molars. In: Atlas of replantation and transplantation of teeth. pp 111-134. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company, 1992.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Lucia Armstrong or Claire O’Reilly.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Armstrong, L., O’Reilly, C. & Ahmed, B. Autotransplantation of third molars: a literature review and preliminary protocols. Br Dent J 228, 247–251 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-020-1264-9

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-020-1264-9

This article is cited by

Search

Quick links