title: Coronectomy: Partial Odontectomy or Intentional Root Retention.
abstract: Coronectomy is considered in patients older than 25, where there is an intimate relationship between the roots of a retained lower third molar (occasionally second or first molars) and the inferior alveolar nerve, in noncontraindicated circumstances. It may be used on younger patients with a medium to high risk of inferior alveolar nerve damage. The decision to use this technique is made with the aid of cone-beam computed tomography scans. Short- to medium-term success rate is excellent, but long-term studies are not yet available. The technique is gaining wider acceptance, although there are differences in the indications and actual technique used within and between countries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California San Francisco, Box 0440, Room C522, 521 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143-0440, USA. Electronic address: tony.pogrel@ucsf.edu.
authors.forename: M Anthony
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Pogrel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D020209:Cranial Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000294:innervation / Q000601:surgery*; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D019228:Tooth Crown / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000379:methods; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000294:innervation*
keywords: Coronectomy; Inferior alveolar nerve; Intentional root retention; Partial odontectomy; Third molars; Wisdom teeth