Intentional replantation (IR) is a suitable treatment option when nonsurgical retreatment and periradicular surgery are unfeasible. For successful IR, fracture-free safe extraction is crucial step. Recently, a new extraction method of atraumatic safe extraction (ASE) for IR has been introduced.

Ninety-six patients with the following conditions who underwent IR at the Department of Conservative Dentistry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, in 2010 were enrolled in this study: failed nonsurgical retreatment and periradicular surgery not recommended because of anatomical limitations or when rejected by the patient. Preoperative orthodontic extrusive force was applied for 2-3 weeks to increase mobility and periodontal ligament volume. A Physics Forceps was used for extraction and the success rate of ASE was assessed.

Ninety-six premolars and molars were treated by IR. The complete success rate (no crown and root fracture) was 93% (n = 89); the limited success rates because of partial root tip fracture and partial osteotomy were 2% (n = 2) and 5% (n = 5), respectively. The clinical and overall success rates of ASE were 95% and 100%, respectively; no failure was observed.

ASE can be regarded as a reproducible, predictable method of extraction for IR.

This retrospective study evaluated the therapeutic effects of the intentional replantation (IR) procedure performed on the maxillary and mandibular molars of 35 patients.

For the subjects, IR was performed due to difficulties in anatomically accessing the lesions and/or close proximity to the thick cortical bone, inferior alveolar nerve, or maxillary sinus, which rendered the ordinary periradicular surgery impossible. The patients' progress was followed for a year and up to 2 years and 4 months. The success of the procedure was evaluated in terms of clinical and radiographic success (%).

The results revealed the following: (a) 1 case (3%) of failed tooth extraction during IR; (b) 2 cases (6%) of extraction due to periodontal diseases and inflammatory root resorption; (c) 3 cases (9%) of normally functioning teeth in the oral cavity with minor mobility and apical root resorption, and; (d) 29 cases (82%) of normally functioning teeth without obvious problems.

IR was confirmed to be a reliably repeatable, predictable treatment option for those who cannot receive conventional periradicular surgery because of anatomic limitations or patient factors.