Autotransplantation of A Third Molar with Complete Root Development: A Case Report

Autogenous transplantation is a feasible, fast and economical option for the treatment of missing teeth when a suitable donor tooth is available. This paper presents successful autotransplantation of a hemisected mature mandibular third molar (tooth #48) with complete root development used to replace a maxillary second molar (tooth #17). The maxillary second molar was deemed non-restorable due to a vertical root fracture in mesial root. Root canal therapy was first performed on the mesial root of the mandibular third molar before the two extractions to minimize post-treatment irritation. After extraction of maxillary second molar, the mandibular third molar was hemisected and the mesial root was placed into the recipient site. After one year, clinical and radiographic examinations revealed satisfactory outcomes with no signs or symptoms suggestive of pathology. In selected cases, autogenous tooth transplantation, even after complete root formation of the donor tooth, may be considered a practical treatment alternative to conventional prosthetic rehabilitation or implant treatment.