Objective: The study objective was to evaluate the prognosis for autotransplantation of third molar teeth with fully developed roots followed by endodontic treatment on the basis of a time-table analysis.
Study design: A total of 50 third molars with completely developed roots were autotransplanted to replace a lost first or second molar in the same number of admitted patients. Root canal treatment was started 3 to 4 weeks later. Clinical and radiographic checkup of the transplanted and root-filled third molars was done annually according to a predesigned record form. Descriptive statistics including a life table and statistical analysis were performed.
Results: The cumulative survival rate during 4 years' follow-up was 81.4%. In all, 7 transplants were lost during the follow-up time, 4 of them due to marginal periodontal pathosis and the other 3 due to root resorption. None of the root resorptions was observed before the second postoperative year. The radiographic periapical status was considered normal in 96% of the transplants at the latest follow-up visit.
Conclusions: Autotransplantation of mature third molar teeth is a reasonable treatment alternative to conventional prosthetic rehabilitation or implant treatment in cases of partial edentualism from both a therapeutic and an economic point of view.