Autotransplantation.

Dental autotransplantation entails extracting and repositioning a tooth into a different site in the mouth of the same patient. A successfully transplanted tooth offers several advantages, given the preservation of the periodontal ligament: the proprioceptive function is maintained, the alveolar bone volume is preserved, orthodontics can be included in the treatment plan, and the dentofacial development and growth of the jaws are not impaired. Moreover, pulp regeneration and continued root development can be expected when a donor tooth with incomplete root formation is chosen and infection of the pulp tissue is prevented. The advantage of autotransplantation over implants is that it is a biological replacement, in which a vital periodontal ligament remains. This makes it possible to move a transplanted tooth orthodontically after the operation and to effect bone regeneration if necessary. In contrast to implants, a transplanted tooth normally erupts in harmony with the neighbouring teeth during further growth and development. The surrounding gingivae and interdental papillae are thus retained. Autotransplantation can be considered an established treatment option with very high success rates. In addition to moving developing teeth, the autotransplantation of fully formed teeth could be considered an alternative to implant placement when suitable donor teeth are available.