Autotransplantation is the technique of transplanting embedded, impacted or erupted teeth from one site into another in the same individual. Despite current scientific evidence indicating that autotransplantation has favourable long-term survival rates, autotransplantation is still not generally regarded as mainstream practice outside of Scandinavian countries.Successful autotransplantation can offer many advantages in a growing patient, including a normally functioning periodontium, proprioception and preservation of alveolar bone volume. In the event that the autotransplantation eventually fails, the bone and soft tissue conditions would still be likely to be favourable for subsequent implant treatment.This review article will identify and discuss the factors that influence case selection, the ideal timing for autotransplantation and the critical determinants for achieving a successful outcome. The limitations of the technique and alternative treatment options will be discussed. It is hoped that through greater awareness and recognition by the dental profession, autotransplantation will become another viable treatment option in the management of compromised teeth in patients with significant remaining growth potential. INTRODUCTIONAutotransplantation is a controlled, sterile avulsion and re-implantation of a tooth into a distant site in the same person.1 While simple in concept, autotransplantation is still a controversial treatment option, however, it has been suggested as the treatment of choice in selected cases. 2,3Proponents of autotransplantation emphasise its ability to maintain and permit Accepted ArticleThis article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.continuation of alveolar bone growth. A successfully transplanted tooth erupts with growth and can also be moved orthodontically. If a transplant fails at a later stage, a well maintained ridge can be prepared for an implant when most appropriate. For a successful outcome, preservation of the periodontal ligament of the transplanted tooth is the key to successful autotransplantation through prevention of ankylosis. An appreciation and respect for the biology of the periodontal ligament and the pulp is essential when considering this procedure. The critics of autotransplantation point to the lack of quality research and the dependence of the technique on surgical skill. HISTORICAL BACKGROUNDTooth autotransplantation began as allotransplantation, which is between two different people. Historical documentations date back to 1594 through the works of surgeon Ambroise Paré where royal families had teeth transplanted. In 1772, a surgeon, John Hunter successfully transplanted a tooth from one person to another. At this time there was no consideration or knowledge of disease transmission and immune compatibility. Later work focused on autografts, which are now termed autotransplantation.The technique of autotransplantation has existed for several centuries, however, the first clinical case reports appeared in the dental literature during the 1...

The aim of the study was to compare the response of calvarial and femoral osteoblasts cultured in a 3D hydrogel environment to cyclic compressive mechanical loading. Human foetal femoral and calvarial osteoblasts were encapsulated in a semi-synthetic thiol-modified hyaluronan gelatin polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) crosslinked HyStemC hydrogel. Constructs were subjected to a cyclic compressive strain of 33.4 kPa force every second for 5 s every hour for 6 h per day using FlexCell BioPress culture plates and compared to non-compressed constructs. Cell viability, mineralisation, and morphological changes were observed over 21 days. BMP2, ALP, COL1A1, COL2A1, and OCN gene expression levels were quantified. Encapsulated osteoblast numbers increased and formed hydroxyapatite over a 21-day period. Cell viability decreased under a cyclical strain when compared to cells under no strain. Femoral osteoblasts under strain expressed increased levels of BMP2 (53.9-fold) and COL1A1 (5.1-fold) mRNA compared to no strain constructs. Surprisingly, no BMP2 mRNA was detected in calvarial osteoblasts. Osteoblasts derived from endochondral (femoral) and intra-membranous (calvarial) processes behaved differently in 3Dconstructs. We therefore recommend that site-specific osteoblasts be used for future bone engineering and bone replacement materials and further research undertaken to elucidate how site-specific osteoblasts respond to cyclic compressive loads.