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A coronectomy is a procedure that removes the crown of a wisdom tooth while leaving the roots in place. It may be recommended when the roots are very close to a nerve in the lower jaw and complete removal could increase the risk of nerve injury.
What Happens During a Coronectomy?
During a coronectomy, the crown of the wisdom tooth is removed and the roots are left in place. Because the roots are not disturbed, there is less movement around the nearby nerve, which may help reduce the risk of nerve injury in carefully selected cases.
The procedure typically involves:
- Accessing the impacted wisdom tooth
- Separating and removing the crown
- Leaving the healthy, stable roots undisturbed
- Cleaning the surgical site and placing sutures if needed
The remaining roots stay covered by bone and gum tissue and are monitored during follow-up visits. In most cases, they remain stable and do not require additional treatment.
What Happens to the Roots After a Coronectomy?
After a coronectomy, the retained roots usually stay buried under the gum and bone. Over time, they may remain stable or slowly move farther away from the nerve canal.
Root movement does not always require treatment. If the roots move away from the nerve and later need removal, that removal may be safer than it would have been at the first surgery.
In some cases, retained roots can become exposed, infected, painful, or mobile. If that happens, a second procedure may be needed.
When Is a Coronectomy Recommended?
A coronectomy may be recommended when imaging shows the roots of a lower wisdom tooth are very close to the inferior alveolar nerve. The goal is to reduce the risk of nerve injury while still removing the part of the tooth most likely to cause future problems.
A coronectomy is not appropriate for every wisdom tooth. Your oral surgeon may recommend complete removal instead if the tooth has:
- Active infection involving the roots
- Significant decay extending into the roots
- A loose or mobile tooth
- Root disease or cyst-related changes
- A tooth position that makes a coronectomy unsuitable
- Other factors that make complete removal the more predictable treatment
The decision is based on the anatomy of your tooth, imaging findings, and overall oral health. Every case is evaluated individually to determine the safest and most appropriate treatment approach.
Personalized Wisdom Tooth Treatment Planning
At AZ Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our oral surgeons use advanced 3D imaging and careful surgical planning to determine the safest approach for each patient. While most wisdom teeth can be removed completely, a coronectomy may be recommended when the roots are very close to the inferior alveolar nerve and preserving them offers the lower-risk option.
The decision is never one-size-fits-all. Treatment is based on your anatomy, symptoms, and imaging findings to help achieve the safest possible outcome.
Oral Surgeon in Queen Creek, AZ
If you’ve been told your wisdom tooth is close to a nerve or have questions about your treatment options, an evaluation can help determine the safest approach.
To schedule a wisdom tooth consultation at our oral surgery office in Queen Creek, call or text (480) 830-5866 or visit us at 18610 E Rittenhouse Rd Building A Suite 105, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.
đź“ŤOther locations
- AZ Max Oral Surgery in Mesa
- AZ Max Oral Surgery in North Mesa
- AZ Max Oral Surgery in Tempe
- AZ Max Oral Surgery in Show Low
FAQs
Can I still get an infection after a coronectomy?
Yes. Although the roots are left in place, the surgical site still needs to heal. Infection is uncommon but can occur after any oral surgery. Following your post-operative instructions and attending follow-up appointments can help support normal healing.
Will the roots eventually need to be removed?
Usually not. In most cases, the retained roots remain buried beneath the gum and bone and never cause problems. If they become exposed, infected, or symptomatic later, your oral surgeon may recommend removing them.
Can a coronectomy be performed on any wisdom tooth?
No. A coronectomy is only recommended in specific situations, most commonly for lower wisdom teeth whose roots are very close to the inferior alveolar nerve. Your oral surgeon will determine whether it is the safest option based on your examination and imaging.
How long does it take to recover from a coronectomy?
Recovery is similar to that of a standard wisdom tooth extraction. Most patients experience swelling, soreness, and jaw stiffness for several days, with gradual improvement over the following week. The bone and soft tissues continue to heal over the next several months.
