Efficacy of root canal treatment for autotransplanted third molars: a 6-Year cohort study of 167 teeth in southern China

The overall success rate is 97.6% with four unsuccessful cases. Herein, two of them were removed, leading to an overall survival rate of 98.8%. A total of 159 cases (95%) received RCT in 3 months. Univariable log-rank analysis showed that RCT (RR 0.109, 95%CI 0.010 to 1.202, <i>P</i> = 0.028) and site relationship between donor and receipt sites (RR 3.359, 95% CI [1.210-9.329], <i>P</i> = 0.020) were two significant prognostic factors of autotransplanted teeth. Multivariable generalized linear regression revealed that RCT is the only significant factor protecting the success rate of autotransplanted teeth (HR 0.003, 95% CI [0.000-0.249], <i>P</i> = 0.010). However, in the Cox regression model, the effects of RCT (HR 0.009, 95% CI [0.000-2.514], <i>P</i> = 0.101) did not reach statistical significance. Other factors did not demonstrate a significant impact in this cohort. These results supported that autogenous tooth transplantation is a viable alternative to conventional implant treatment with strict indications. Our findings underscore the importance of RCT in transplanted teeth with closed or semi-closed apices. Multi-center observational studies with larger sample size and extended follow-up duration may be needed to validate the conclusion.