The success of tooth transplantation or replantation depends on the viability of periodontal ligament in the transplanted tooth. Mechanical injury to periodontal tissues frequently results in dental root resorption and ankylosis, which leads to the fa...
The success of tooth transplantation or replantation depends on the viability of periodontal ligament in the transplanted tooth. Mechanical injury to periodontal tissues frequently results in dental root resorption and ankylosis, which leads to the failure of transplantation or replantation. Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has been recently used to induce periodontal regeneration.
In this report, we show a clinical case of EMD application in the transplantation of an inversely impacted and immature tooth. An impacted second premolar was found in the right maxilla of a 14 year-old girl. The tooth was inversely impacted and the root formation was incomplete. When transplantation was carried out. EMD was applied to the periodontal tissues of the extracted premolar. The tooth was fixed at the correct position and the clinical condition was followed for evaluation for 3 months. Radiographs after 3 months exhibited new bone formation surrounding the transplanted tooth. There were no signs of root resorption or ankylosis, and reconstruction of the bone defect area at the maxilla was also found. Short-term results from this case indicated that EMD application was effective in the transplantation of an inversely impacted and immature tooth. In adddition, EMD might contribute to obtain good healing without ankylosis. Further follow-up observations are necessary to evaluate the regenerative effects of EMD.