What are the risks? • Dental bridge: A false tooth glued onto There is evidence that transplants are another tooth. PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET successful. Possible risks include: • Dental implant: A false tooth on a • Pain. titanium screw put into the jaw bone TOOTH • Infection causing the gum not to heal (not an option until you have stopped and the tooth may be lost (low risk). growing). TRANSPLANTS • The nerve within the tooth does not survive and needs a root filling. These options will be discussed with • Resorption (dissolving away) of the you at the assessment clinic. The final root, eventually leading to loss of the decision is yours. tooth (low risk). In most cases, a premolar tooth would It is important that you fully understand have been taken out as part of your what is involved in having a premolar orthodontic treatment. The transplant transplant before you decide to replaces a missing or damaged tooth. proceed. If you have any further If the transplant does not work, it often questions you can write them in the takes many years to fail (usually without space below and ask your orthodontist any problems) but will preserve the bone or other team members at your next for the possibility of dental implants. visit.SAMPLE What happens after a tooth transplant? FOR You will need regular follow-up appointments to check the health of the tooth. NOT This will involve examining your teeth and taking x-rays as necessary. Depending on the growth of the transplanted tooth, it may need a root filling soon after the transplant. REPRODUCTION

What are the possible options if I do not want a transplant? There are several options that may be available: • Accept the missing/damaged tooth. • Braces to close spaces where there are

missing teeth. This leaflet has been produced with guidance from the Plain English Campaign and British Dyslexia Association to make it easier for you to read • Denture: A tooth on a removable plate. BRITISH ORTHODONTIC SOCIETY Copyright© BOS 2014 British Orthodontic Society 12 Bridewell Place London EC4V 6AP Registered Charity No 1073464 www.bos.org.uk Your orthodontist/paediatric dentist • In many cases, the transplanted tooth Do I need braces? has mentioned that you may need a will function like your original tooth. In some cases, fixed or removable braces tooth transplant. You may have some • It holds the space and the bone for may be needed before the transplant is questions you would like answered. the future and allows options such as done to make the correct space. What is a tooth transplant? dental implants (if needed) later in life. After a period of healing, braces may be This means that one of your own teeth is How is a premolar transplant done? used to straighten the teeth. removed and moved to another place in • The transplant is usually done under your mouth. Transplant teeth are often the general anaesthesia but can be done Will it be painful? premolar teeth. The premolar teeth are under local anaesthesia. The surgery is not painful, as the area found in between the eye teeth (canines) • The damaged front tooth is taken out, will be made numb with local anaesthetic. and the larger molar teeth. usually at the time of the transplant. If It is likely to be sore after the anaesthetic Why might I need to have a premolar the tooth is missing, space is made in has worn off. If painful, simple painkillers transplant? the jaw bone to allow the transplanted such as those you would normally take tooth to be placed. A front tooth that has been knocked out for a headache should be used – please • The premolar tooth (transplant) is taken or damaged/missing may need to be follow the instructions on the packet. out and carefully moved into its new replaced to improve appearance and position. It may be held in place by a What do I need to do after the function. As part of orthodontic treatment, wire glued onto adjacent teeth (a splint). transplant? premolar teeth are often removed to • The gum is then allowed to heal and make room to straighten teeth. Where • You need to keep the area clean with SAMPLEthe wire taken off 7-10 days after the premolars need to be extracted, one of gentle brushing around the area using transplant. these may be transplanted to replace the FOR fluoride toothpaste. injured or missing front tooth. • For the first week, you may be asked How will I be assessed? NOT to gently use a salty mouth rinse or a chlorhexidine mouthwash to keep the You will be seen by an orthodontist and other specialists to assess if you are mouth clean to allow the gums to heal. suitable for a premolar transplant. They A splinted transplant to replace a front tooth • Stay away from contact sports until the will have a look at your teeth and take • Depending on the growth of the transplant has healed and then always some x-rays. Not everyone is suitable for REPRODUCTIONtransplanted tooth root, a root filling use a mouthguard. a premolar transplant and other options may be needed. How long will the treatment take? may be more appropriate. These will all be • Tooth-coloured filling material is glued The transplant will be done in one day discussed at the assessment appointment. to the outside of the transplanted tooth Oral hygiene must be of a high standard to make it look like a front tooth. but there may be the need for braces for a transplant to be considered. before and afterwards which may take over 2 years. Transplants are carried Using your own tooth to replace a out when there is the best chance of missing tooth has many advantages: success. This may mean waiting for • The tooth will maintain its new position more of your teeth to grow into the mouth as you grow and can be moved with before treatment can start. braces. Transplanted tooth built-up with tooth coloured filling material