Replantation of avulsed teeth after long extra-alveolar periods

In 11 patients, 18 teeth, with extra-alveolar periods ranging from 6 h to 48 days were replanted after root-filling with chloroform resin and guttapercha. After observation periods from 1 to 7 years, only 1 tooth was lost (after 5 years), but the remaining 17 teeth were clinically well functioning. All teeth were ankylotic and subjected to replacement resorption of various extent. Inflammatory root resorption and periradicular osteitis were not observed. Marginal bone loss up to 5 mm was noticed, but was accompanied by gingival retraction and thus pathological periodontal pockets (5 mm) were not observed. Consequently, teeth replanted after long extra-alveolar periods (even several days) can function for many years and thus postpone prosthetic treatment.