Can coronectomy of wisdom teeth reduce the incidence of inferior dental nerve injury?

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the surgical complications and neurosensory disturbance of coronectomy and conventional excision of lower third molars with roots in close proximity to inferior dental nerve. We conducted a randomized clinical trial of patients with lower third molars showing specific radiographic signs was conducted. Patients were randomized to undergo either coronectomy or total excision (control) of the lower third molar. It was concluded that coronectomy can significantly reduce the incidence of inferior dental nerve deficit when compared with conventional excision when the roots show radiographic signs of close proximity, and the technique showed a similar rate of other surgical morbidities.