Eruption pattern of autotransplanted premolars visualized by radiographic color-coding

Eruption patterns and root growth were visualized with the use of a new technique, radiographic color-coding, for comparison of the development of autotransplanted premolars with contralateral control teeth. Rates of eruption and root growth were studied. The eruption pattern and rate was assessed relative to the first molar. Maximum rates were found to occur between 30 and 60 days after transplantation. There were no significant differences between transplants and their contralaterals. Two distinct categories of eruption patterns were demonstrated. One group showed a tendency toward an initial rate of transplant eruption that was somewhat faster than that of the contralaterals. The other group showed initially retarded eruption. Possible explanations were discussed. Because no significant differences between the transplants and the contralaterals were observed, it was concluded that autotransplantation is a sound treatment option for substitution of missing teeth, at least from a tooth development point of view. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2001;119:338-45)