Auto-alloplastic transplantation of a primary canine after traumatic loss of a permanent central incisor.

This report describes the transplantation of a primary canine after traumatic loss of a central incisor in an 8-year-old boy. The 7-month follow-up revealed normal periodontal healing with absence of infection, ankylosis or progressive resorption. The patient was then lost for control. After 16 months another trauma in the same patient resulted in an avulsion of the transplant. However, the alveolar bone was maintained in vertical and sagittal dimensions. Another primary canine was transplanted and followed for further 11 months. Again normal periodontal healing could be observed. The transplantation of a primary canine is seen as a promising method to replace a lost permanent tooth and maintain the surrounding tissues in very young patients.