Root elongation after autotransplantation in 58 transplanted premolars: the radiographic width of the apex as a predictor

Publication date: Available online 20 February 2019

Source: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Author(s): K.J.H. van Westerveld, J.P. Verweij, M. Fiocco, G. Mensink, J.P.R. van Merkesteyn

Abstract

Purpose

Autotransplantation of premolars with incomplete root development is a reliable treatment option for tooth replacement. Nevertheless, little is known about development of roots after transplantation of teeth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the preoperative root development stage and radiographic width of the apex as predictors for root elongation after autotransplantation.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was implemented including patients who underwent autotransplantation of one or more premolars. Using panoramic radiographs (OPTs), calibrated measurements were taken to record the root development stage of the donor tooth, width of the apex, and root length of the transplanted tooth.

Results

Forty-five patients (58 transplants) were included. The mean follow-up time was 12 months (range: 4-26 months). Fifty-three transplanted teeth (91.4%) showed root elongation. The mean root elongation at the end of follow-up was 1.9 mm (range: 0.0–4.3 mm). A wide-open apex before transplantation was significantly associated with root elongation after autotransplantation (p < 0.01). Root development stage (p = 0.82) did not show significant associations with root elongation.

Conclusion

A wide-open apex (> 2.0 mm) is a significant predictor of root elongation after autotransplantation of premolars. This might be a better predictor for root development than the preoperative root development stage.

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