Autotransplantation of a lower third molar-case report

Autotransplantation offers the possibility of good,natural, functional, and aesthetic rehabilitation of a tooth. Still it is becoming less commonly applied today due to the rapid development of implantology as an alternative for replacing lost teeth.
Objective: In this paper, we aim to present a case in which a successful transplantation of a lower third molar was performed in place of a second molar.
Materials and Methods: This involves a 20-year old female patient who underwent extraction of a cariously destroyed tooth, during which an impacted tooth was placed in the same socket. A suture was applied around the transplanted tooth, and the tooth itself was fixed with neighboring teeth using a fixation wire.
Discussion: During follow-up examinations, no changes were observed in the patient. After the suture was removed on the tenth day and the fixation after one month, the tooth was already stabilized in the alveolus. Subsequent controls showed no issues, and after six months, the patient reported that she had started using that side for eating.
Conclusion: Although implants have recently gained a prominent position in dentistry, it is still essential to consider transplantation in all cases where it is possible. Its application should especially dominate in younger individuals, where other prosthetic aids should ideally not be applied yet.
Keywords: autotransplantation, extraction, impacted
teeth, fixation, implants, donor.