Premium
Coronectomy of mandibular third molars: a systematic literature review and case studies
Author(s) -
Mann A,
Scott JF
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
australian dental journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.701
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1834-7819
pISSN - 0045-0421
DOI - 10.1111/adj.12825
Subject(s) - medicine , cochrane library , dentistry , inferior alveolar nerve , lingual nerve , mandibular nerve , dry socket , osteitis , systematic review , molar , medline , orthodontics , surgery , randomized controlled trial , osteomyelitis , tongue , pathology , political science , law
Background Extraction of mandibular third molars (M3M) close to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) has a higher risk of neurological disturbance. This review aims to evaluate the evidence supporting the use of the coronectomy technique compared to complete extraction for such M3Ms. Case studies by a specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeon are included to illustrate clinical practice. Methods Three databases (Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed) were searched (November 2020). Additional articles were sought by hand searching the reference list of included articles. All studies published in English comparing outcomes of coronectomy with complete extraction with at least 50 subjects and 6 months follow‐up were included. Results Of the six included studies, five reported a lower rate of IAN disturbance after coronectomy compared with complete extraction. There were no reported cases of lingual nerve disturbance. Other outcomes of coronectomy such as pain, infection, alveolar osteitis were either similar or lower compared to complete extraction. There were high rates of root migration but low rates of exposure and reoperation. Follow‐up protocols varied considerably. Conclusions There is medium quality evidence to support the option of coronectomy for high risk M3M cases. Further studies to develop follow‐up protocols to assist general dental practice is warranted.