title: To retrieve or not to retrieve the coronectomy root--the clinical dilemma.
abstract: Coronectomy of mandibular third molars is a well established technique that is going through a resurgence as it seems to reduce the risk of inferior dental nerve (IDN) injury. The reservation with the technique arises because of fear that the retained root will become infected and symptomatic over time. General dental practitioners will be responsible for the long-term review and care of these patients and, consequently, it is important that they are aware of the technique and its sequelae.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Coronectomy of mandibular third molars to avoid nerve injury is becoming increasingly popular. It is important that general dental practitioners (GDPs) are aware of the immediate and later sequelae of treatment and the implication of the retained root.
authors.affiliation: Oral Surgery Department, Floor 23, Guy's Dental Hospital, London Bridge, London, SE1 9RT.
authors.forename: Vinod
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Jerry
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kwok
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sproat
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McGurk
mesh_terms: D001861:Bone Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000473:pathology; D003751:Dental Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D003803:Dentigerous Cyst / Q000150:complications; D004368:Dry Socket / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019228:Tooth Crown / Q000601:surgery*; D014078:Tooth Eruption / Q000502:physiology; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000601:surgery*; D061221:Trigeminal Nerve Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control