Limitations and Indications of Coronectomy

Abstract

Coronectomy, or partial odontectomy, is a technique used in dentoalveolar surgery to treat a mandibular third molar when complete removal of the tooth considerably risks injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). As IAN injury is one of the more feared complications in third molar removal, occurring in 1–5% of cases, coronectomy can appear to be an attractive option when there is radiographic evidence of an intimate relationship between the tooth roots and the IAN. However, the actual indications for coronectomy are relatively limited due to the sensitivity of the technique and the various complications that can result from the procedure. The purpose of this chapter is to review the indications, procedure, and complications of coronectomy.