Retrospective Study of Intentional Replantation for Type IIIb Dens Invaginatus with Periapical Lesions

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, intentional replantation (IR) has received more attention for its high tooth survival rate and wide range of indications. Type IIIb dens invaginatus (DI) is 1 of the most serious types of tooth malformation and is very challenging to treat. When root end surgery is not feasible, IR may be considered as an alternative to extraction. However, there is little information available on the use of IR for type IIIb DI. Therefore, this study investigated the treatment outcomes and clinical procedures used for the treatment of type IIIb DI with IR. Methods: IR was performed to treat 10 patients with type IIIb DI with periapical lesions. Each tooth was examined clinically and radiologically. IR was selected by these patients as their treatment plan after treatment procedures were discussed. An experienced endodontist and an experienced surgeon performed all treatments using the same protocol and surgical technique. Postoperative assessments were composed of clinical and radiographic examinations, tooth survival, and functional status. Results: The follow-up period ranged from 4–39 months. After IR, 8 teeth were functioning properly with no clinical or radiologic signs of pathology. The other 2 teeth had complications after IR comprising the recurrence of periapical radiolucency and sinus tract formation in 1 patient and the development of a mucosal fenestration in another. Both of these patients received additional surgery and showed marked improvements. Conclusions: Our study evaluated the most clinical data to date and showed that IR may be a reliable alternative for type IIIb DI with a periapical lesion.