What is a Coronectomy?

Wisdom teeth or third molars are often impacted or too close to the gums, so most dental professionals opt for surgical removal for their patients. This is due to the way wisdom teeth sit in the back of the mouth, leaving very little room for them to erupt properly. If a patient’s impacted tooth is too close to the nerve, his or her dentist or oral surgeon may suggest an alternate operation referred to as a coronectomy.

Unlike a wisdom tooth extraction, a coronectomy removes the crown of the tooth and leave the roots intact in the jaw. The roots of wisdom teeth in the lower jaw often press or wrap around the nerves that provide feeling. When roots are close to either the lingual nerve (LN) or the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN), surgical extraction can cause nerve damage. Damage to either nerve interferes with speaking, eating, and overall quality of life. If the LN experiences trauma, there may be a loss of taste, according to the Journal of Medical Case Reports . Extractions close to the nerve can also leave patients at risk for a permanent loss of feeling.

An oral surgeon is your best bet for a second opinion regarding a coronectomy. They are often the best judge for determining whether the procedure is best for your condition. The Journal of the American Dental Association suggests a coronectomy as an alternative for patients older than 40. As people age, the roots of their wisdom teeth become fully formed and are more likely to cause nerve damage upon removal. It’s better to extract the teeth at an early age before the roots are fully formed to prevent damage to nerves as well as other molars.

Unless the tooth is infected, mobile, or impacted horizontally, a coronectomy would not be advised. However, if patients do not have any of those issues, they may want to consider the procedure. As with an extraction, patients experience some swelling afterward, but the risk of a dry socket or an infection can be reduced. Their dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help the healing process and instructions on how and when to take them, which patients should follow accordingly.

After a coronectomy or wisdom teeth extraction, try to brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush while avoiding the extraction sites. After brushing, rinse with warm salt water to wash away any debris that may be left behind. Also, if patients do experience any discomfort, they should address it right away and bring it to their dentist’s attention. Finally, try to keep up with follow-up appointments to make sure the healing process is going well and that you are experiencing a quick recovery.

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