Safety of coronectomy versus excision of wisdom teeth: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to compare the surgical complications and neurosensory disturbances of coronectomy and total excision of lower wisdom teeth with roots in close proximity to the inferior dental nerve (IDN).


METHODS
A randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the surgical complications and IDN deficit of coronectomy and total removal of wisdom teeth. Patients with specific radiographic signs of close proximity of wisdom teeth roots to the IDN were randomized.


RESULTS
A total of 231 patients underwent surgery for 349 lower wisdom teeth (171 coronectomies, 178 controls); 16 coronectomies failed and were removed in total. Nine patients in the control group presented with IDN deficit, compared with 1 in coronectomy group (P = .023). Pain and dry socket incidence was significantly lower in the coronectomy group, and there were no statistical differences in infection rate between the 2 groups. Reoperation of one coronectomy case was performed owing to persistent root exposure.


CONCLUSIONS
There are fewer complications in terms of IDN deficit, pain, and dry socket after coronectomy, but the infection rate is similar to that of total excision.
Discipline of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Yiu Yan
YY
Leung
Lim K
LK
Cheung
D000328:Adult; D020209:Cranial Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019228:Tooth Crown / Q000601:surgery*; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D061221:Trigeminal Nerve Injuries; D055815:Young Adult