[Coronectomy. An alternative for complete removal of the third molar in the lowerjaw]

Sensory impairment of the inferior alveolar nerve in the region undergoing treatment is an unfortunate complication after the surgical removal of a mandibular third molar. Coronectomy is a treatment in which only the crown portion and part of the roots of the tooth are removed. The apical portion of the roots is deliberately left in place in order to avoid damage to the nerve. In a group of 34 patients, a total of 38 coronectomies was carried out, because these patients had a radiologically determined increased risk of inferior alveolar nerve damage in case of surgical removal. The mean follow-up period was 16.7 months, ranging from 3-62 months. None of the patients experienced sensory impairment of the alveolar nerve in the region under treatment. In the case of 3 patients, roots left in place appeared to cause complaints and were removed after all. The conclusion of the study was that coronectomy seems a useful and safe treatment option.