[Replantation of avulsed immature permanent teeth. Results in 39 cases after an average of 2.5 years].

The aim of this investigation was a critical assessment of the short- and medium-term results of replantation of immature, avulsed permanent teeth. Thirty-nine teeth were investigated after 2.5 years on average. Only 7 teeth (18%) had been replanted within 5 min after avulsion. Sixteen teeth (41%) showed revascularisation or ingrowth of alveolar bone into the pulp. Twenty-two teeth (56%) showed signs of ankylosis, 6 (15%) had been exfoliated or extracted. Seventeen teeth (77% of the ankylotic ones) exhibited an alveolar growth arrest of 1.5 mm per 10 cm body growth. By planimetric assessment, the yearly loss of root dentin by replacement resorption was about 15%. The appearance was compromised in 11 cases (33%) by severe discoloration. In spite of intense therapeutic effort and partial success, the results must be classified as unsatisfactory. In avulsions of immature permanent teeth, replantation therefore has to be considered an intermediate solution. Since the main reason for a failure is extended extra-oral unphysiologic storage, replantation by lay helpers immediately after the accident should be propagated as a first-aid treatment to improve the situation of the replanted tooth. In addition, more attention should be paid to preserving teeth in tissue cultures before replantation.