While tooth autotransplantation is not a common procedure, part of the reason for that is the difficulty in performing the procedure and a lower than optimal success rate. However, when a patient's needs require it, the procedure can make a tremendous difference. The procedure was first performed in the 1950's so it's definitely a viable option, however it's difficult to perform.
To study a new way to perform the procedure, in June of this year, research was published from the Fourth Military Medical University in China that compared two different methods to accomplish autotransplantation.
The researchers used 40 3D printed models of a mandible in need of autotransplantation. One half of the study was done via the traditional 3D printed surgical guide technique. The other half was performed using an autonomous multi-axis robotic system. The study evaluated both single rooted and double rooted teeth.
The results are interesting. The robot group had less unnecessary bone removal and a better overall agreement with the planned socket design.
Obviously, all this gives us is proof of concept. However, change occurs often with one small step at a time. That's especially true in science when potentially working with the human body.
If you're interested in the actual study, you can follow this link: Autonomous robotic execution of nonlinear toolpaths for geometry-matched osteotomy in tooth autotransplantation: an in vitro study
The image above is an AI generated image and is not affiliated with the study.
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