Replantation of avulsed primary teeth: a systematic review

Background: There is little evidence regarding the risks and benefits of replantation of avulsed primary teeth.

Aim: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the replantation of avulsed primary teeth, analysing the risks and benefits to help guide dentists regarding the best clinical decision-making in such cases.

Design: The Medline/Pubmed, LILACS, and SciELO databases were searched for articles published in English, Portuguese, German or Spanish on the replantation of avulsed primary teeth in dental journals dating from the inception of the databases through to May 2013.

Results: Among the 891 papers identified in the search, nineteen fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All 19 studies were case reports involving a total of 41 replanted primary teeth. No negative consequences to either the primary tooth or permanent successor were observed in 15 cases. Among the other 26 cases, there were negative consequences to only the replanted primary tooth in 16 cases, only the permanent successor in three cases and both the replanted primary tooth and permanent successor in seven cases.

Conclusion: There is a lack of high-quality studies that can help guide clinicians regarding the best approach in cases of primary tooth avulsion.