Autotransplantation of teeth with incomplete root formation: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the survival of intentional autotransplantation of developing teeth.

Material and methods: An electronic search was carried out in the MEDLINE database, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The criteria used are the ones described in the PRISMA Declaration. The following MeSH terms were used: ("tooth" [MeSH Terms] OR "tooth" [All Fields]) AND ("transplantation, autologous" [MeSH Terms] OR ("transplantation" [All Fields] AND "autologous" [All Fields]) OR "autologous transplantation" [All Fields] OR "autotransplantation" [All Fields]) AND ("humans" [MeSH Terms]. Randomised clinical trials and prospective and retrospective clinical studies were included.

Results: The meta-analytic study of overall survival included a total of 14 studies, yielding an overall survival rate of 97.9%. In studies with 1-year follow-ups, survival was 98%. The resulting 2-year follow-up rate was 97%, while the 5- and 10-year survival rates were 95.9% and 96.9%, respectively.

Conclusions: The autotransplantation technique performed in a single-phase and on teeth that have not completed their development is a predictable technique, with a described survival rate at a 2-year follow-up of more than 97%.

Clinical relevance: The technique of dental autotransplantation is considered an important resource for the resolution and rehabilitation of tooth loss in patients, especially in those who are still in a growth period. Moreover, this technique has a low complication rate and a 10-year survival rate of 96.9%. It should therefore be considered a safe and reliable procedure.

Keywords: Immature impacted tooth; Incomplete root formation; Meta-analysis; Root development; Tooth autotransplantation.