Tooth autotransplantation in a diabetic patient with 2-year follow-up

Gen Dent. 2021 Mar-Apr;69(2):48-50.

Abstract

Tooth autotransplantation is the movement of a tooth from its socket into another socket within the same patient. This case report discusses the viability of tooth autotransplantation in a patient with diabetes mellitus. A 23-year-old woman presented with the chief complaint of pain from a carious mandibular right second molar, which was deemed nonrestorable. Autotransplantation of a viable third molar was therefore suggested as the treatment of choice. Six months after surgery, the patient was recalled for reevaluation of the reimplanted tooth. Pulpal sensitivity was assessed, revealing a normal pulpal response. The patient reported no pain or symptoms of infection. At the 1-year and 2-year follow-ups, clinical examinations confirmed that the transplanted tooth was vital, and the patient was able to chew food normally without experiencing pain on the mandibular right side. Dental autotransplantation may be considered a conservative approach to replacing a missing tooth, especially for young patients with growing jaws or patients with limited financial means who cannot afford other treatment options.

Keywords: atraumatic extraction; autotransplantation; diabetes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diabetes Mellitus*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Mandible
  • Molar, Third* / surgery
  • Transplantation, Autologous
  • Young Adult