OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the healing results of teeth replanted or transplanted in different indications and treated by extraoral root canal therapy.
STUDY DESIGN: Extraoral root canal treatment was performed from a retrograde direction with posts made of ceramics or titanium. Preoperatively, the pulp status was classified as definitely infected (n = 47) or not infected/symptomless (n = 78), and the condition of the periodontal ligament (PDL) was classified as damaged (n = 50) or not damaged (n = 75) according to trauma type and extraoral storage. The healing after replantation or transplantation was diagnosed as functional, ankylosis, or infection depending on clinical and radiographic findings.
RESULTS: In total, 125 teeth in 99 patients were replanted or transplanted. Mean observation period was 44.4 months. Teeth with a less damaged PDL in no case exhibited ankylosis/replacement resorption after a mean observation period of 53 months. Teeth without preoperative infection of the pulp in no case showed infection-related complications after a mean observation period of 30 months. Teeth classified as definitely infected before treatment had a high frequency of continuous periradicular bone and root resorption.
CONCLUSIONS: The extraoral insertion of posts appeared to inflict no additional damage to the PDL that was clinically relevant. Infection-related complications were prevented. Teeth that were classified as definitely infected at the time of treatment had a low rate of healing and should undergo conventional root canal disinfection before this surgical procedure is applied.
