Publisher: Benefits of Keeping Wisdom Teeth. General educational information; this article has not been reviewed by a licensed dental professional.
Tooth autotransplantation means moving a tooth from one position to another in the same person. Research has examined third molars as donor teeth for replacing a missing tooth. This is a specialist treatment possibility, rather than a guarantee that every wisdom tooth is a useful spare.
What the research covers
A 2023 systematic review evaluated transplanted third molars with complete root formation. It reported promising survival, while also examining complications such as root resorption and ankylosis. Those results describe treated patients in the included studies; they do not predict success for an unassessed tooth.
An umbrella review published in 2023 found important limitations in the quality of the underlying systematic reviews and variation in how outcomes were defined. That makes it particularly important to distinguish a tooth remaining present from a broader claim of successful function and health.
Questions about suitability
- Is there a replacement need for which this treatment is being considered?
- Is the donor tooth suitable for this particular recipient site?
- What experience does the treating team have with autotransplantation?
- What further treatment and follow-up may be needed?
- What are the alternatives, total costs and relevant complications?
Why this does not justify keeping every tooth
The existence of a specialist procedure does not establish that an unhealthy tooth should be retained for a hypothetical future use. Nor does it show that an erupted wisdom tooth can automatically serve as an orthodontic or bridge anchor. Those were broader claims in our earlier article, and they have been removed.
If a clinician proposes this option, ask for an explanation based on your examination and treatment needs. This website cannot select a donor tooth, recommend a surgical protocol, or provide a personalized success rate.
For the more common question of whether a tooth should remain in place, see our guide to keeping versus removing wisdom teeth.
Sources and limitations
