A preferable technique for protecting the inferior alveolar nerve: coronectomy.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of coronectomy for teeth whose root apices are very close to the inferior alveolar canal.

Patients And Methods: The 43 patients of this study needed removal of their lower third molar, whose root apices were very close to the inferior alveolar canal. These patients underwent 47 coronectomies.

Results: The mean follow-up period was 9.3 months (range, 1 to 48 months). The mean total amount of root movement was 3.4 mm at 6 months, 3.8 mm at 12 months, and 4.0 mm at 24 months.

Conclusions: The technique of coronectomy is defined as removing the crown of a tooth but leaving the roots untouched, so that the possibility of nerve damage is reduced. Coronectomy is a preferable technique for patients who run a risk of injury to the inferior alveolar nerve during third molar surgery.