Even if you aren’t in the dental field, you’ve probably heard some popular terms, like “root canal” and “tooth extraction.” Of course, there are some other tooth-saving treatments your endodontist may recommend, including intentional replantation. What is it? Why is it important? How successful is it? To learn the answers to these questions, keep reading!
What Is Intentional Replantation?
In short, intentional replantation is when a tooth is removed with every intention of placing it back in its socket. Initially, this may sound a bit bizarre, but there’s actually a good reason for it. For decades, doctors have been transplanting organs with fear of rejection. With intentional replantation, this isn’t a concern – it’s been returned to its original place! As a result, this treatment has an impressive 89% success rate (according to an issue of the Journal of Endodontics in 2017).
How Does Intentional Replantation Work?
Since the tooth in question is being removed before extra-oral (out of mouth) care, the first step is to numb your mouth thoroughly. Once you’re comfortable, your dentist will use forceps to gently remove your tooth, making sure not to damage it in the process. After successfully extracting it, they will keep the tooth moist with a special solution and perform the treatment within 30 minutes. That way, the tooth can be replanted successfully. The final step is to take post-operative radiographs and assess if a splint is needed.
What If Intentional Replantation Isn’t Successful?
With nearly a 90% success rate, intentional replantation rarely “fails.” If a complication arises, however, it’s important to know that you won’t be left with a gap in your smile. In fact, there are several tooth-replacement options available, including:
- Dental bridges – Dental bridges can effectively replace one tooth or several teeth in a row with two dental crowns and pontics (the replacement teeth).
- Dentures – While full dentures can replace an entire row of missing teeth, partials can address several missing teeth. Depending on the severity of your tooth loss, your dentist can custom-make one to restore your smile and bite.
- Dental implants – Known for its lifelike appearance and 30+ year lifespan, dental implants can replace one, a few, or an entire arch of teeth.
Intentional replantation may not be as well known, but it can play a crucial role in saving your tooth and restoring your oral health. So, if you have a question about the treatment process, don’t hesitate to ask your endodontist!
About the Practice
With four exceptional doctors, our team at Worcester Endodontists is here to help you with what we do best: save teeth. From traditional root canal therapy to intentional replantation, we’re here to restore your healthy, beautiful, and pain-free smile. If you have a question about your treatment plan or would like to learn more about the intentional replantation process, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 791-7435.