Intentional partial odontectomy and effect on inferior alveolar nerve injuries: a systematic review
Objectives:
To synthesize current evidence comparing coronectomy (intentional partial odontectomy) and complete extraction of mandibular third molars in close radiographic proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve, focusing on neurosensory complications and other clinically relevant postoperative outcomes.
Data Sources:
PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were manually searched using strings combining terms such as 'coronectomy,' 'partial odontectomy,' 'root retention,' 'mandibular third molar,' 'extraction,' and 'inferior alveolar nerve injury.' Searches were conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
Conclusion:
Coronectomy significantly reduces the risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury in mandibular third molar surgery compared to extraction in cases with inferior alveolar nerve proximity. The main drawback to this technique is subsequent root migration, which is common but rarely clinically problematic. Careful patient selection and follow-up are essential in selecting this procedure.
