Coronectomy of partially erupted lower third molars performed by an undergraduate dentistry student: a case series.

PURPOSE: The coronectomy technique is an alternative to conventional impacted tooth removal which aims to reduce the risk of damage to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). The technique is usually performed by senior oral surgeons or residents in training. Herein, patients were treated in a single service, in which coronectomy was performed by an undergraduate dental student on partially erupted lower third molars. METHODS: A prospective analysis was performed on 21 individuals submitted to a total of 35 coronectomies. Clinical and radiographic follow-up was performed for at least 12 months. RESULTS: Overall, healing was within normal limits, without major complications and without permanent IAN injury. However, one case showed temporary IAN paraesthesia resolved within a month and two required repetitions of coronectomy due to the remaining enamel, but with a good final result. Root migration was observed in all cases, but no other surgery was required. CONCLUSION: Coronectomy may be an important option for treating partially erupted teeth in close nerve relationships, which could also be performed by trained undergraduate dental students. This series is interesting because it can encourage oral and maxillofacial surgeons to train undergraduate students and to stimulate their attraction and passion for surgery.

Extending Coronectomy Indications to Third Molars with Taurodontism to Prevent Paresthesia and Mandible Fracture.

Taurodontism is considered a dental anomaly responsible for a morphoanatomical change in the shape of the tooth in which the roots are reduced in size but the body of the tooth is enlarged and bulky. The aim of this paper is to present a case of a 25-year-old female patient with taurodontism of mandibular partially erupted third molars, presenting a high risk of angle fracture and paresthesia in case of their removal, treated by means of coronectomy. The postoperative period was uneventful and the patient remained in follow-up for 12 months. In conclusion, the identification of third molars with higher risk of complications related to their extractions is the key to consider conservative measures to avoid problems. Coronectomy is a relatively simple technique that should be taken into account when considering bulky, deeply located third molars with a high risk of paresthesia or mandibular fracture, even in presence of taurodontism.