INCIDENCE OF COMPLICATIONS AFTER THIRD MANDIBULAR MOLAR CORONECTOMY

Coronectomy is a technique that involves the removal of the crown of the third molar, leaving the root in place. It is recommended when the risks of complete extraction outweigh the benefits, especially in cases where there is a high risk of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury. The success of coronectomy depends on adherence to the operating protocol, which is controlled by the oral sur­geon. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the incidence and nature of complications associated with the coronectomy of mandibular third molars. The systematic literature search was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines in MEDLINE (PubMed), and EMBASE (Sci­enceDirect) databases. A total of 287 titles were identi­fied. 9 studies met the final inclusion criteria. The results showed that coronectomy had a low incidence of IAN sensory disturbance, with 1.6% to 4.3% of cases expe­riencing such complications, while other studies recor­ded no cases of sensitivity loss. Infection and dry socket occurred in a small percentage of cases. Coronectomy is a safe and useful technique for treating impacted mandi­bular third molars. Similar or lower incidence of com­plications compared to those from extraction were seen. Further prospective homogenous randomized controlled clinical trials are necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of coronectomy in third mandibular molars.