Tooth Autotransplantation: When Your Own Tooth Saves Your Smile

Tooth autotransplantation is a technique where a patient’s natural tooth is moved from one area of the mouth to another. Though it may sound unusual, this method has been successfully practiced in dentistry for decades. It can be a real breakthrough in cases where a tooth needs to be replaced — especially for teenagers and young adults for whom dental implants may not yet be suitable.

We strongly believe that preserving your natural tooth is always better than replacing it with an artificial one. Whenever there’s a chance to save a natural tooth, we take it.

When Is Tooth Transplantation Possible?

Tooth autotransplantation isn’t always an option. The key requirement is having a suitable “donor” — a natural tooth that can be safely transplanted. Typically, this is a wisdom tooth or a premolar that isn’t involved in chewing or is scheduled for removal.

Common indications for autotransplantation:

• Loss of a permanent tooth (e.g., due to trauma)
• Bite anomalies requiring replacement of a missing or malformed tooth
• Need to delay dental implantation (e.g., due to young age)
• Presence of a healthy but non-functional tooth (e.g., impacted third molar)

• Restoration of a section of the dental arch where one or more teeth are missing

When Is Transplantation Not Recommended?

There are several contraindications that may prevent autotransplantation:

• Active oral infections or inflammation in the transplant area
• Serious chronic conditions (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes)
• Poor oral hygiene
• Heavy smoking (significantly lowers the success rate)

We conduct a thorough evaluation and review all risks and alternatives with each patient in advance.

Preparation for the Procedure

Autotransplantation is not a spontaneous intervention. It requires careful planning and preparation.

Consultation: Detailed oral examination and medical history review

Diagnostics: CT scans are used to precisely measure the donor tooth and the recipient site

Planning: 3D modeling is employed to virtually fit the tooth into its new position, considering angle, depth, and alignment

Sanitation: Before surgery, professional cleaning and treatment ensure a healthy oral environment

A personalized treatment plan is created based on all diagnostic data.

How the Procedure Works

The procedure typically takes 60–90 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia — all in one day.

Donor Tooth Removal: The tooth is extracted with great care to preserve the root and surrounding tissues

Socket Preparation: A niche is shaped in the new location to match the donor root precisely; bone quality and volume are assessed

Tooth Placement: The donor tooth is positioned in the socket without pressure or distortion

Fixation: The tooth is stabilized using a special splint attached to neighboring teeth

Pulp Removal (if needed): If the root is fully developed, the nerve may need to be removed

Post-Op Care and Monitoring

During the first week, it’s important to:

• Avoid hard or hot foods
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Rinse with antiseptics
• Avoid chewing on the transplanted tooth

The splint is typically removed after 2–3 weeks, followed by regular check-ups to monitor healing. Transplant integration and tissue health are evaluated after 2–3 months.

Complete healing may take 6–12 months.

Risks and Complications

Possible complications include:

• Partial integration
• Tooth mobility
• Inflammation
• Need for tooth removal if adaptation fails

With proper planning and care, success rates reach 90–95% in young patients.

Autotransplantation vs. Implantation: Which to Choose?

Implants are a reliable method, but they are costly, require months to integrate, and are ultimately foreign objects in the body — which don’t always take hold. Tooth autotransplantation is often a less invasive, more natural, and cost-effective option — particularly for teenagers and young adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a child receive a transplanted tooth?

Yes — especially teenagers.

Is it painful?

No. The procedure is painless under local anesthesia.

How long does a transplanted tooth last?

Potentially decades, if integration is successful.

Is nerve removal necessary?

Sometimes, if the root is fully formed.

Can a tooth be transplanted from the lower to the upper jaw?

Yes — if the dimensions are suitable.

Occasionally, root canal treatment may be needed after transplantation — our endodontists are fully equipped to handle this. By the way, autotransplantation isn’t limited to extractions — it’s also possible after dental trauma. We’ll share more about that in an upcoming post.

Dentistry in Dubai by Kandinsky Clinic

Kandinsky Clinic offers premium dental care in Dubai — combining international standards, cutting-edge technology, and a personalized approach.

You can expect highly qualified dentists with international certifications, state-of-the-art equipment, and innovative treatment methods. All procedures are performed painlessly with modern anesthetics.

We ensure comprehensive diagnostics and detailed treatment planning, using premium-quality materials and strict adherence to international sterilization protocols. Our convenient central Dubai location, comfortable atmosphere, and attentive staff make every visit pleasant.

All dental treatments are covered by a service warranty.