Coronectomy Patient information What is Coronectomy?A minor surgical procedure which involves removing the crown of the lower wisdom tooth and leaving the roots behind. This is an alternative procedure to complete removal of tooth in suitable cases.A measure adopted to avoid damage to the nerve which gives sensation to lower lip

Why Coronectomy?A conventional wisdom teeth removal has a risk of damaging the nerves supplying lower lip, chin and tongue. Temporary injury occurs in up to 8% of cases and permanent injury in up to 3.6% of the cases where the roots of the lower wisdom teeth are in close proximity to the nerveSince the crown of the impacted lower wisdom teeth are often the cause of various problems, by removing the crown and leaving the roots the problems are solved.

What happens to the remaining roots?About 70% of the time the roots buried in the bone as the bone formation occurs over the retained roots

It is estimated that eruption of the roots may occur in 2-5% of cases over 2-5 years. However, in all cases the root fragments move in to a safer position with regard to the nerve and it can be removed with a lower risk.

About 9-38% of cases, the roots move during the procedure and any advantage is lost – the whole tooth is removed and the nerve is at risk.

On rare occasions, the roots may become infected and need to be removed, putting the nerve at risk.

Post-operative instructions

Instructions are exactly the same as tooth extraction (please refer to the post op instructions leaflet provided)

Follow up

You will be reviewed in a month after the procedure and further follow up will be advised during your next appointment.

Coronectomy leaflet- Raj version 1