TRANSPLANTATION OF DEVELOPING TEETH

¹ School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn.

1. Nineteen lower third molar teeth with incompletely formed roots were transplanted as autografts to lower first molar areas.

2. The criteria of good color and firmness of anchorage in the alveolar process and gingiva have been fulfilled in all cases.

3. None of the transplants has resulted in suppuration or inflammation of the gingiva.

4. Positive response to electrical and thermal pulp tests was achieved in 43 per cent by the fifth month and in 85 per cent by the eighth month.

5. Proper position in the dental arch was not secured in any instance where the transplant was buried deeply. Greatly improved position resulted when the placement was about 1.0 mm. below the occlusal plane of the adjacent teeth. Minor improvements on this score are yet to be developed by orthodontic means or greater precision in splinting.

6. Healthy periodontal membrane and lamina dura have been secured in all cases by the fifth to eighth month, judging from radiographic studies.

7. Pulp chambers consistently showed a tendency to become greatly reduced in size. The significance of this occurrence is not known.

8. Root growth was minimal. Apices either closed off without further growth or remained open with little or no further growth.

9. Microscopic study revealed vital pulps in 2 transplants which were extracted.