Loss of 1st and 2nd molars among adolescents due to dental caries is n
ot uncommon in developing countries. Whilst their replacement is indic
ated, conventional methods of treatment, namely, bridging and dentures
are in most cases inaccessible because of prohibitive cost. Given tha
t it is in the same age group that diagnosis of unfavourably embedded
wisdom teeth becomes feasible, autotransplantation of the latter to re
place the unsalvageable 1st and 2nd molars could be an alternative tre
atment. Available literature suggests a success rate of over 82% based
on follow-up studies of over ten years. Observations at the Dental Sc
hool Clinic of the University of Nairobi, Kenya, indicate that the tim
e it takes the transplant to 'take' and assume its functional position
is 4 to 8 weeks and 2.5 to 3.5 months respectively. Since the method
is relatively straightforward, we are of the view that training underg
raduates and practising dental surgeons in this technique should enhan
ce utilisation of otherwise ''useless'' teeth to replace the lost 1st
and 2nd molars in occlusal rehabilitation.