Eruption pattern of autotransplanted premolars visualized by radiographic color-coding

Eruption patterns and root growth were visualized with the use of a new tec hnique. radiographic color-coding, for comparison of the development of aut otransplanted premolars with contralateral control teeth. Rates of eruption and root growth were studied. The eruption pattern and rate was assessed r elative to the first molar. Maximum rates were found to occur between 30 an d 60 days after transplantation. There were no significant differences betw een transplants and their contralaterals. Two distinct categories of erupti on patterns were demonstrated. One group showed a tendency toward an initia l rate of transplant eruption that was somewhat faster than that of the con tralaterals. The other group showed initially retarded eruption. Possible e xplanations were discussed. Because no significant differences between the transplants and the contralaterals were observed, it was concluded that aut otransplantation is a sound treatment option for substitution of missing te eth, at least from a tooth development point of view.