International Journal of Dentistry Research 2025; 10(3): 126-129 ;   DOI:10.31254/dentistry.2025.10311

Case Report

Reviving a Hopeless Tooth: Intentional Reimplantation as a Last Resort

R. Sowndharyalakshmi¹ , S. Srinivasan¹ , R. T. Arun¹ , V. Krishnan¹

R. Sowndharyalakshmi,S. Srinivasan,R. T. Arun,V. Krishnan

1. Department of Periodontics Government Dental College and Hospital, Cuddalore-607001, Tamil Nadu, India

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 10th September, 2025 / Revised: 1st January, 1970 / Accepted: 16th December, 2025 / Published : 17th January, 2026

Abstract

---

This case report describes the management of a 35-year-old female patient who presented with mobility and extrusion of the maxillary incisors (#21, #22) following trauma. Clinical examination revealed Grade III mobility, extrusion, and loss of vitality in tooth #21, while tooth #22 exhibited Grade I mobility with a delayed response. Radiographic findings showed periodontal ligament widening, periapical radiolucency, and bone loss extending to the middle third of the roots. Following Phase I therapy and root canal treatment, intentional replantation of #21 was performed, involving atraumatic extraction, root surface conditioning with 17% EDTA, and reimplantation. The tooth was stabilized initially with extracoronal and occlusal splints, later replaced by permanent intracoronal splinting. At the one-year follow-up, the reimplanted tooth was functional, asymptomatic, and esthetically acceptable. Radiographs demonstrated bone fill, although ankylosis was noted. This case highlights intentional replantation as a conservative, cost-effective, and toothpreserving treatment option in situations where otherwise extraction and replacement with implants may be considered.

Keywords

Intentional reimplantation, Tooth mobility, Extrusion, Tooth preservation, Ankylosis, Maxillary central incisor

---