2003 Volume 16 Issue 2 Pages 203-213
This study examined the application of tooth transplantation to clinical practice for prosthetic treatment. Extracted teeth that had been stored at 4℃, -80℃ or -2℃ for 4-8 weeks were transplanted, and their prognoses compared based on tooth mobility and on radiographical and histological findings for 8 weeks after transplantation. The results were as follows
1. The mobility of the teeth stored at -2℃ for 8 weeks after transplantation was grade 1, and was the same as before extraction, whereas the mobility of the teeth stored at 4℃ or-80℃ was grade 0 because ankylosis was observed.
2. Radiographical observation showed ruptured periodontal spaces in the teeth stored at 4℃ or -80℃,but the teeth stored at -2℃ had periodontal spaces.
3. Histologically, new bone was observed between the cementum resorbed area and alveolar bone, and ankylosis was observed in the teeth stored at 4℃ or -80℃. In the teeth stored at -2℃, fibrous connective tissues were observed between the transplant tooth and alveolar bone, and the run of fibrous tissues was arranged especially regularly and functionally after being stored for 4 weeks.
These results suggest that controlled freezing point storage allows the long-term storage of teeth to be transplanted and replanted, and that this method of storage can be applied to clinical practice.
