Endodontic management of an autotransplanted mandibular third molar: A simplified approach

Abstract

Background and overview: In this case report, the authors aim to review the standard protocols for endodontic treatment of autotransplanted molars and report on the 5-year follow-up of a clinical transplantation case.

Case description: The authors transplanted a mandibular third molar into the position of the adjacent second molar. The authors performed extraoral apicoectomy and retrograde restoration after atraumatic extraction of the donor tooth and before transplantation. The authors did not perform conventional orthograde root canal treatment after transplantation. The patient was followed up 5 years after the autotransplantation. Results of follow-up radiography showed a regular root surface without evidence of periapical lesions or root resorption.

Conclusions and practical implications: If appropriate sterility of the working field is maintained during surgery and a tight apical seal is achieved during the extraoral treatment, orthograde endodontic treatment should be delayed or avoided.

Keywords: Tooth autotransplantation; apicoectomy; autogenous tooth transplantation; pulp necrosis; retrograde filling.