Autogenous dental transplantation of the third molar: case report

Abstract

Autogenous dental transplantation, or autotransplantation, is a technique that gained recognition in the 18th century and involves the transfer of a tooth from one socket to another in the same individual. This practice can be performed with embedded, impacted, or erupted teeth to replace lost or non-restorable teeth, offering a biological alternative that preserves natural teeth. The process of autotransplantation involves steps such as radiographic evaluation, atraumatic extraction, root inspection, extraoral management, and transfer of the tooth to the recipient socket, all carefully followed to ensure clinical success. Currently, dental transplantation is a well-accepted option due to its lower cost, shorter treatment duration, and preservation of tissue and periodontal ligament. However, the lack of knowledge among professionals limits its indication as a rehabilitative alternative. The article presents a literature review followed by a clinical case report of an autogenous dental transplant surgery performed in a Primary Health Care Unit in the municipality of Graça, Ceará, Brazil. A 16-year-old teenager presented with extensive coronary destruction of element 37 due to decay, diagnosed as pulp necrosis. After radiographic evaluation and determining the viability of tooth 38 as a donor, atraumatic extractions of elements 37 and 38 were performed, followed by the autotransplantation of tooth 38 into the socket of tooth 37. The procedure was carried out without scraping or curettage of the recipient bed and without the use of pre-surgical antibiotic therapy. The patient was evaluated after 15 days, 45 days, and 6 months, showing a satisfactory evolution with a response within normal standards for pulp and periodontal health. This work highlights the importance of autotransplantation as an option for dental rehabilitation, especially in contexts where access to endodontic and prosthetic treatments is limited and emphasizes the need for greater dissemination and training for oral health professionals.