By Dixie Somers
When severe damage to a tooth has occurred, individuals have a number of options for treatment of the problem. While dental implants are reliable and much better than dentures for older patients, they aren’t as common in pediatric patients. Luckily, there’s a burgeoning new technology called tooth transplantation, which is a great alternative for those under the age of 18.
Tooth transplant procedures have achieved a reliable level of success for replacing lost teeth. Although the success of this procedure depends upon a number of factors, it is becoming a popular choice for individuals who have experienced tooth loss from decay or damage to natural teeth.
Good Candidates for Tooth Transplantation
Current techniques favor children under the age of 18 as the best candidates for tooth transplantation. The cooperation of the patient in the process is critical to success, so individuals should be agreeable to having the procedure and willing to attend the multiple visits for completion of the transplantation. They must have a favorable site for the transplantation and, because the process is most successful with a tooth from the patient and an acceptable donor tooth must be available for the process. Individuals must also be in good health and must have good dental hygiene habits.
The Process of Tooth Transplantation
The transplantation procedure is done in a series of steps. First, the patient is given a thorough assessment to determine if the tissues and bone are in good condition to accept the donor tooth. No underlying infection or inflammation should exist that would inhibit proper stabilization of the new tooth. Extracting the donor tooth should cause a little trauma to tissues as possible. The transplant site must be carefully prepared to accept the donor tooth. Once the tooth is in place, the tissue is sutured and splinted into place. A resin adhesive is applied to hold it to neighboring teeth or is can be wired to hold its position.
Aftercare for Tooth Transplantation
In the weeks following the procedure, patients must eat a soft diet and avoid chewing on the side with the transplanted tooth. The new tooth must also be checked periodically to ensure proper healing. Dentists ensure that the area is free of infection, displacement, and resorption of the roots that can lead to failure of the transplant.
Tooth transplantation can be a good choice for individuals who can fulfill the rigorous criteria for ensured success. The cost of tooth transplantation is still quite high, compared to other methods of tooth replacement, but provides a good result in regard to appearance, as well as to function. A dentist like Kenneth Schweizer DDS PA can determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure that can help to restore an attractive and natural smile.
Dixie Somers is a freelance writer focusing on new trends in business and technology.