Autotransplantation of a Maxillary Premolar to Replace a Central Incisor: A Seven-Year Follow-Up.

Abstract

Purpose: To discuss the transplantation of a maxillary premolar to replace a maxillary central incisor in a seven-year follow-up period.
Methods: An avulsed permanent maxillary central incisor was reimplanted by a pediatric dentist but it presented progressive external root resorption. Transplantation of the maxillary right first premolar was planned, as the patient presented a Class II malocclusion with increased overjet that would be treated with extractions of the maxillary premolars.
Results: The transplanted tooth did not present any negative symptoms other than discoloration, which was treated with bleaching for three years. At the end of a three- year follow-up period, a full ceramic restoration was done to improve translucency properties to provide better esthetics. The transplanted tooth presented healthy periapical and periodontal tissues in both clinical and radiographic examinations at the end of the seven-year follow-up period.
Conclusions: Autotransplantation of maxillary premolars can be a viable alternative to provide adequate physiologic and esthetic components for avulsed and reimplanted permanent incisors that presented unsuccessful results.