3 Key Success Factors for Long-Lasting Tooth Replantation | Intentional Replantation | Dr. Yong-Hoon Choi

Tooth intentional replantation and autotransplantation are clinically proven treatments that have been intensively researched in Japan for over 40 years.

A 40-year history means it has been around far longer than dental implants.

Even from a basic biological perspective, anyone can understand—without specialized dental knowledge—that tissues from one’s own body provide the highest biocompatibility.

The unfortunate reality, however,

is that this procedure is exceptionally delicate, demanding, and technically sensitive.

In particular, teeth that have already undergone root canal treatment and have been thinned down to an eggshell thickness for a crown

are remarkably difficult to extract completely intact.

Despite good intentions,

if a tooth fractures during the extraction phase of replantation,

it leads to a distressing situation for the patient and panic for the dentist.

Half-jokingly, I often say that my own lifespan shortens by the duration of the extraction (about a minute per case).

That is how stressful and challenging this initial step is in intentional replantation.

Having resolved this critical obstacle, I published and openly shared my refined extraction technique in a peer-reviewed paper back in 2010.

Teeth that require intentional replantation often suffer from:

Severe internal root canal contamination

Cracks

Fractures

Periodontal disease

Cracks, in particular, are so prevalent among Korean patients that it is almost unusual not to find one.

Every issue affecting the tooth must be thoroughly addressed,

and the clinician must be fully prepared for any unforeseen variables before initiating the procedure.

Holding an extracted tooth and saying,

'Oh no, this cannot be salvaged after all,'

or 'As you can see, this tooth is beyond saving,'

is a situation that should never happen.

Once a decision is made to save a tooth, it must be successfully treated and replanted without compromise.

When performed properly, a replanted tooth lasts for decades.

In Japan, documented cases lasting over 20 years are abundant,

and cases exceeding 30 years are even cited in textbooks.

It saddens me deeply to see such an effective and valuable treatment for saving natural teeth be misunderstood or misrepresented,

which is why I have dedicated the past 20 years exclusively to this field.

For a more detailed explanation, please refer to the YouTube video.

Our clinic specializes exclusively in saving compromised natural teeth that have been deemed hopeless or recommended for extraction.

We do not provide implant consultations or implant treatments.

Please note that we do not offer routine dental checkups or basic dental care. Thank you for your understanding.

#ToothReplantation #CrackedTooth #FracturedTooth #DrYongHoonChoi #SaveNaturalTeeth #WisdomToothTransplantation

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tooth intentional replantation a reliable treatment?

Yes, it is a thoroughly proven procedure. Tooth intentional replantation and autotransplantation have been intensively researched and documented in countries like Japan for more than 40 years—predating modern implants. Because it utilizes your own natural tissue, it offers unmatched biocompatibility.

What is the most challenging aspect of intentional replantation?

Extracting the tooth completely intact without fracture is the most difficult step. Teeth that have previously had root canal therapy and crowns are often thinned down to an eggshell-like thickness, making them prone to breakage during extraction. This demands advanced, highly specialized extraction techniques and thorough preparation.

Can a tooth with a crack or fracture still undergo replantation?

Yes. Intentional replantation is actively performed to treat and repair severe internal contamination, periodontal complications, and cracked or fractured roots to preserve natural teeth that would otherwise be extracted.

How long does a successfully replanted tooth last?

A properly treated and replanted tooth can last for decades. Numerous clinical cases in Japan demonstrate survival rates exceeding 20 years, with textbook cases documented beyond 30 years.

Does your clinic provide dental implants or routine checkups?

No. Our practice focuses exclusively on preserving compromised natural teeth that have been designated for extraction. We do not provide implant consultations, implant placements, routine checkups, or general restorative dental treatments.