Autotransplantation of first premolar to replace a maxillary incisor - 3D-volume tomography for evaluation of the periodontal space.

Dent Traumatol 25(2):233-7 (2009) PMID 19191824

The anterior maxilla is the most traumatized region during childhood and tooth loss is frequently involved. Space closure with implants is contraindicated in growing patients and maintenance of space is necessary over a long period. Transplantation of premolars from the mandible with two-third to three-quarter root formation wide open foramen provides the best prognosis for permanent survival. CASE REPORT: This report describes the management of a 10 year old girl with autotransplantation to replace an upper incisor by a lower premolar under consideration of special care for the periodontal ligament during surgical procedure. A 3-D imaging with digital volume tomography (DVT) was used 20 months after transplantation to evaluate the periodontal morphology. DISCUSSION: Autotransplantation of premolars with incomplete root formation to replace maxillary incisor is a treatment alternative after traumatic loss of teeth. There were no signs of pathosis like resorption or ankylosis and a normal periodontal space demonstrated with DVT. There is no need for endodontic treatment before transplantation. In this case of autotransplantation of a premolar, the DVT after 20 months gives evidence of a successful regeneration of the periodontal ligament.