Mandibular premolar transplantation to replace missing maxillary anterior teeth: A multidisciplinary approach

Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2021 Sep;160(3):459-472. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2020.06.035. Epub 2021 Jul 30.

Abstract

One of the most challenging problems for orthodontists is that of multiple missing maxillary teeth in a growing patient. In many patients, a good treatment option is autotransplantation. This case report describes the multidisciplinary treatment of an 11-year-old girl with regional odontodysplasia affecting the maxillary right and left central incisors, and congenitally missing maxillary left lateral incisor and canine. Autotransplantation of the mandibular second premolars to the affected area was combined with orthodontic space closure, and the transplanted premolars were reshaped and restored with a resin composite to be in line with the left central and lateral incisors. After completion of the orthodontic treatment, gingivectomy was performed to obtain an even gingival contour and symmetrical gingival tissue. Space closure of the maxillary anterior teeth was achieved. Autotransplantation enabled the patient to retain her natural teeth rather than having a prosthesis or dental implant. The autotransplanted tooth allows for alveolar bone growth in synchrony with neighboring teeth and the formation of normal interdental papilla while adapting to functional stimuli and confers a high survival rate in the long term.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anodontia* / therapy
  • Bicuspid / surgery
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incisor / surgery
  • Maxilla / diagnostic imaging
  • Maxilla / surgery
  • Orthodontic Space Closure