Autotransplantation of a third molar is sometimes a treatment option when a first or second molar has been lost or severely damaged. A study by Mejare, et al assessed 50 patients who had a third molar with completely developed roots transplanted then underwent endodontic treatment beginning 3 to 4 weeks after the autotransplantation. Root canal treatment is needed to prevent pulpal infection from developing. Clinical and radiographic assessments were conducted annually to determine the status of the third molars. The study found that 68% of the transplants were successfully healed into the site with no pathologic conditions. Over 4 years, the cumulative survival rate was 81.4%. This compares well with survival rates of 71% to 95% for single tooth implantation in corresponding areas. The study concludes that replacing a lost or seriously damaged first or second molar with a third molar is a reasonable treatment alternative in the majority of cases studied. Cost factors of autotransplantation are favorable compared to implant therapy, and the surgical and endodontic treatment costs of autotransplantation are comparable to the costs for surgery and prosthetics with single tooth replacement.
(Source: Dental Abstracts, Vol. 49, No. 5, 2004)
