Coronectomy of partially erupted lower third molars performed by an undergraduate dentistry student: a case series

• Published in: Oral and maxillofacial surgery Vol. 24; no. 4; pp. 417 - 422
• Main Authors: Mendes, Polianne Alves, Neiva, Isabela Moreira, de Arruda, José Alcides Almeida, Brasileiro, Cláudia Borges, Souza, Ana Cristina Rodrigues Antunes, Mesquita, Ricardo Alves, Souza, Leandro Napier
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01-12-2020; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Age; Clinical medicine; Data analysis; Dentistry; Maxillofacial surgery; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Original Article; Pain; Patients; Students; Surgeons; Teeth; Impacted tooth; Third molar; Coronectomy; Oral surgery
• ISSN: 1865-1550; 1865-1569
• DOI: 10.1007/s10006-020-00860-9

Purpose
The coronectomy technique is an alternative to conventional impacted tooth removal which aims to reduce the risk of damage to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). The technique is usually performed by senior oral surgeons or residents in training. Herein, patients were treated in a single service, in which coronectomy was performed by an undergraduate dental student on partially erupted lower third molars.
Methods
A prospective analysis was performed on 21 individuals submitted to a total of 35 coronectomies. Clinical and radiographic follow-up was performed for at least 12 months.
Results
Overall, healing was within normal limits, without major complications and without permanent IAN injury. However, one case showed temporary IAN paraesthesia resolved within a month and two required repetitions of coronectomy due to the remaining enamel, but with a good final result. Root migration was observed in all cases, but no other surgery was required.
Conclusion
Coronectomy may be an important option for treating partially erupted teeth in close nerve relationships, which could also be performed by trained undergraduate dental students. This series is interesting because it can encourage oral and maxillofacial surgeons to train undergraduate students and to stimulate their attraction and passion for surgery.