Coronectomy of Mandibular Third Molar: Four Years of Follow-Up of 130 Cases.

ABSTRACT

Inferior wisdom teeth extraction surgery may have some complications that, in some cases, could be prevented by a correct diagnosis and minimal surgery. Coronectomy is a technique used for wisdom teeth surgery where only the crown is extracted and the root/roots are left in situ. This procedure may be controversial, but it could limit the common risks of the extraction procedure. Nowadays, the indication and contraindication of this technique are debated, and clinicians normally extract the entire tooth. The following case series includes the data and follow-up radiographs of 130 patients who received a coronectomy, reporting the safety of the procedure. After a mean follow-up period of four years, no complications occurred. A total of 13 patients showed mobile roots but had no complications or symptoms. The roots migrated in a mesial or coronal direction in 31 patients; in 4 cases, they were removed because of patient preference. Coronectomy is a useful oral surgical procedure in certain complicated cases of mandibular wisdom tooth extraction.