Tooth Autotransplantation – An Effective Natural Tooth Replacement Solution

Tooth autotransplantation is a dental technique in which a patient’s own tooth—typically a wisdom tooth or a misaligned tooth—is extracted and transplanted into the site of a missing or severely damaged tooth. This method utilizes the patient’s natural tooth, preserving the periodontal ligament, restoring natural chewing function, and minimizing complications compared to artificial tooth replacement techniques.

Unlike dental implants, which use a titanium post inserted into the jawbone, tooth autotransplantation utilizes an existing biological tooth. This offers several advantages, including lower cost, faster healing, and the preservation of natural chewing sensation. However, the procedure requires a highly skilled dentist and careful case selection to achieve optimal results.

This article presents a successful clinical case of tooth autotransplantation performed by Dr. Dang Trieu Hung, DDS, PhD — a dentist with many years of experience in complex dental surgery and treatment.

Patient information

The patient, Ms. T.T.M.A, 43 years old, had a stable medical history with no significant systemic conditions reported. She sought dental care due to pain in the lower left molar region while chewing, which caused discomfort and affected her daily activities.

Examination and Diagnosis

Intraoral examination revealed that tooth #36 had previously undergone root canal treatment, showed an old filling, and was tender to vertical percussion. Tooth #46 was restored with a porcelain crown on an implant, and no abnormalities were observed in the other teeth.

Radiographic images showed a distinct periapical cyst around tooth #36, with furcation bone resorption, indicating chronic lesion following root canal treatment. Tooth #38 was properly erupted with intact roots and suitable for autotransplantation.

Final Diagnosis:

• Periapical cyst of tooth #36
  
• Mesioangular impaction of tooth #48
  

Orthodontic Treatment Plan at Herident

Dr. Dang Trieu Hung, DDS, PhD, developed a detailed treatment plan consisting of the following steps:

1. Extraction of tooth #36 and curettage of the periapical cyst to completely remove the chronic lesion.
2. Perform autotransplantation of tooth #38 into the position of tooth #36, maximizing preservation of the periodontal ligament and adjusting the physiological occlusion.
3. Stabilize the transplanted tooth using a specialized steel splint for 2–3 weeks, combined with monitoring the healing process and chewing function.

Advantages of the Method:

• Complete removal of the periapical cyst lesion, preventing recurrence.
• Preservation of natural chewing function by using the patient’s own natural tooth.
• Cost-effective and avoids unnecessary implant intervention.

Risks to Consider:

• Risk of root resorption or ankylosis if biological conditions are not properly maintained.
• The success rate largely depends on the surgical technique, extra-alveolar time, and the condition of the periodontal ligament.

The treatment was personally performed by Dr. Dang Trieu Hung, DDS, PhD.

Surgical Procedure

The surgical procedure was carried out in the following steps:

• Extraction of tooth #36, thorough curettage of the cystic tissue, and irrigation of the recipient site.
• Extraction of tooth #38 using a minimally invasive technique to maximize preservation of the periodontal ligament.
• Placement of tooth #38 into the position of tooth #36, adjusting its orientation and checking the occlusion.

• Stabilization with a specialized steel splint for 2–3 weeks.
• Postoperative care instructions were provided to the patient, including antibiotics, pain management, oral hygiene regimen, and a schedule for regular follow-up visits.

Postoperative result

After one week, the wound healed well with no signs of abnormal swelling or pain. The patient reported positive feedback and was satisfied because the cyst was completely treated without complications.

Comparison of Radiographs Before and After Treatment

Conclusion

The clinical case above clearly demonstrates that tooth autotransplantation is an effective, safe treatment solution that provides long-lasting benefits. When performed correctly by an experienced dentist, this method helps restore chewing function, maintain aesthetics, and minimize complications to the greatest extent.

With advanced expertise and many years of experience, Dr. Dang Trieu Hung, DDS, PhD, successfully performed the surgery, delivering optimal results for the patient.

Herident Dental Clinic boasts a team of experienced dentists and an Advisory Board composed of leading experts in the field.

Herident Dental Clinic proudly possesses a team of experienced dentists who have successfully treated thousands of clinical cases, ranging from simple to complex. Additionally, the clinic features an Advisory Board of leading experts who continuously update and apply advanced dental techniques. Combining deep expertise, modern technology, and internationally standardized treatment protocols, Herident Dental Clinic is committed to providing customers with safe, effective, and sustainable oral care solutions that ensure both aesthetics and long-term chewing function.