TOOTH TRANSPLANTATION

General Information

DEFINITION-Replacement of an injured or diseased first or second molar with a third molar (wisdom tooth).

BODY PARTS INVOLVED-Mouth; teeth; gums.

REASONS FOR SURGERY-Restoration of normal tooth function.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Recent or chronic illness.
• Smoking.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES-Dentist or oral surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED-Dentist's or oral surgeon's office, outpatient surgical facility or hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies.
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA

• Local anesthesia by injection.
• General anesthesia (sometimes) by injection and inhalation, with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• A wisdom tooth is pulled.
• Sometimes, the root of the pulled tooth may be shortened for better fit.
• The socket where the tooth will be transplanted is enlarged.
• The wisdom tooth is inserted in the socket and secured to neighboring teeth. This provides support during healing.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Rejection of transplanted tooth (rare).

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY-0 to 1 day.

PROBABLE OUTCOME-Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 1 month for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES

• Do not rinse your mouth, spit, smoke or use drinking straws for 24 hours after surgery.
• Beginning 24 hours after surgery, rinse your mouth with a solution of 1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz. lukewarm water every 1 or 2 hours.
• Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush in the area of the mouth not affected by surgery. A clean mouth heals faster.
• Do not bite down on the affected tooth until healing is complete.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

ACTIVITY--Avoid vigorous exercise for 3 weeks after surgery.

DIET-Resuming your normal food and fluid intake will promote more rapid healing. If you find that your regular diet is too difficult, try a high--protein liquid diet (see Appendix) for 2 or 3 days. Avoid alcoholic beverages until healing is complete.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You experience nausea and vomiting.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.