Tooth Transplantation Using Computer-Aided Rapid Prototyping Model Compared to Conventional Technique (A Pilot Study)

Objective: This research study aimed to compare the efficiency between tooth transplantation using the Computer-aided rapid prototyping model (CARP model) and a conventional tooth transplantation technique. Materials & Methods: Ten patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. Five patients were performed tooth transplantation using the CARP technique (study group) and other five patients were performed antotransplantation using the conventional technique (controlled group). During transplantation, operation time, extra-alveolar time, and attempt of fitting donor tooth to recipient site were evaluated. Moreover, after 3 months post-operation, PDL space, tooth mobility, and pocket depth were examined. Result: During transplantation, the study group consumed lower operating time and extraalveolar time compared to the control group although no statistic significance was found (p = 0.086 and p = 0.05 respectively). In addition, the study group showed significantly fewer attempts to fit the donor tooth to the recipient socket compared to the control group (p = 0.019). After 3 months post-transplantation, average PDL width shows a narrower significant difference in the study group compared to the control group (p = 0.014). Moreover, the study group showed significantly better pocket depth reduction compared to the control group (p = 0.024). No significant difference found in tooth mobility after tooth transplantation in both groups (p = 0.074). Conclusion: CARP technique reduced attempt to fitting donor tooth and improved PDL healing of donor tooth in tooth transplantation compared to conventional technique