Pulp Revascularization After Autotransplantation of the Mandibular Canines With Partially Resected Roots: Report of 5 Cases With Follow-ups Between 26 and 80 Months.

INTRODUCTION: Transmigrated (migrated through the midline) mandibular canines constitute a treatment challenge. Advanced transmigration can be successfully treated by autotransplantation. In developing canines, pulp revascularization is typical after transplantation. On the contrary, the pulp of teeth with completed apex formation does not undergo revascularization. In this case, root canal treatment becomes compulsory and decreases the success of autotransplantation. The aim of this observational retrospective study was to evaluate whether partial resection of the root (performed during the autotransplantation of mature canines) would enable revascularization of the pulp after the surgery. METHODS: Five transmigrated mandibular canines with complete apex formation before the surgery were evaluated. During the autotransplantation surgery, the resection of 2 to 4 mm of the root apex was performed to open the path for revascularization of the pulp after surgery. The transplanted teeth were observed during healing after the surgery for the presence of pulp obliteration. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed. RESULTS: All treated canines survived the minimum observation period of 2 years (ranging from 26 to 80 months, mean: 55 months) without pulp healing complications. The survival was 100%, and the success was 80%. In one canine, the external cervical root resorption was diagnosed and treated 1 year after the surgery. At the final examination, transplanted canines presented radiographic features of pulp obliteration, normal mobility, and healthy periodontal tissues. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical protocol proved to be successful in promoting revascularization to maintain pulp vitality, in all cases. The outcomes confirm that autotransplantation, combined with the resection of the root, constitutes a valid treatment for mature ectopic canines.

Patient with asymmetric multiple hypodontia treated with autotransplantation of 2 premolars.

Tooth autotransplantation is performed in patients with congenitally missing teeth and those with traumatic tooth loss. We report a course of edgewise treatment of a girl with multiple congenitally missing teeth and residual features of ectodermal dysplasia, who was treated with autotransplantation of 2 premolars with developing roots. She was 8 years old at the beginning of the treatment. No signs of inflammation, root resorption, or pulp symptoms were observed during the 2.5 years of edgewise treatment after autotransplantation. Cervical external root resorption was detected 31 months postoperatively in 1 transplanted tooth (maxillary first premolar), and the same problem occurred in the other transplanted tooth (mandibular second premolar) 2 years later. Root canal treatment was immediately undertaken and resulted in inhibition of further pathology. Consequently, the survival of both transplanted teeth was achieved. The orthodontic treatment that included intervals related to diagnosis and treatment of root resorption of the transplanted premolars is described in detail.