Coronectomy is a dental surgical procedure that involves removing only the crown (upper part) of a wisdom tooth, while leaving the roots in place. This technique is usually used when the wisdom tooth is positioned close to the inferior alveolar nerve, which runs through the lower jaw and supplies sensation to the lower lip and chin. In cases where the nerve is at risk of damage during extraction of the entire tooth, a coronectomy may be considered as a safer alternative.
By removing only the crown, the risk of nerve injury can be minimized, since the roots are left in place and are less likely to be in close proximity to the nerve. The remaining roots will then be left to heal and fuse with the jawbone over time. The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia and is generally considered safe and effective.
Coronectomy may not be appropriate for all patients or all cases of impacted wisdom teeth, so it’s important to discuss your individual situation with our specialist oral surgeon.
