Autotransplantation of a mature third molar into a graft-free maxillary sinus: A 9-year follow-up case report

This report describes periodontal ligament (PDL)–preserving autotransplantation combined with graft-free crestal sinus membrane elevation in a posterior maxillary site with limited residual bone height. A 28-year-old woman with a non-restorable maxillary first molar and approximately 3 mm of residual crestal bone height underwent autotransplantation of a mature third molar with simultaneous graft-free sinus membrane elevation. Approximately nine years of follow-up demonstrated stable function with preservation of the PDL space, no ankylosis or pathologic root resorption, and progressive bone formation within the sinus-associated void. PDL-preserving autotransplantation with graft-free sinus membrane elevation may represent a viable biologically based alternative in selected posterior maxillary cases.