The dental team at Durham Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is pleased to offer a new and exciting treatment option for patients with missing or compromised teeth (trauma, unusual shapes). This technique is called autotransplantation. Essentially, another tooth in the mouth is selected to be moved from one spot in the mouth to the spot of the missing or compromised tooth.
This technique has been practiced in Europe for over 50 years. Dr. John has been to Rotterdam to study this technique and has worked closely with the Rotterdam team for over two years learning best practices. In addition, Dr. John is the acting head of the Trauma Team at the University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry. He works with other specialists to help patients who have had trauma or are missing permanent teeth.
This patient had a history of trauma to his front tooth, causing it to stop erupting.
The upper left central incisor was extracted and replaced (autotransplated) with his upper left second premolar.
The autotransplanted tooth was reshaped to look like the missing central incisor. This is the final result after 18 months of orthodontic treatment.
