Ideal candidates for a coronectomy procedure include women and men who:

• Do NOT have an infection in the tooth or root
• Are at increased risk for trauma to the inferior dental nerve (tooth roots are close to important nerves)
• Are over the age of 40
• Are in good overall health

During a coronectomy, the crown of the tooth is removed, but the roots within the jaw remain intact. Most often, this procedure is performed before the wisdom tooth has fully erupted. In order to access the crown of the tooth, a small incision will be made in the gums, and some of the bone around the tooth will be removed. Once the crown is removed, the gums will be closed shut with sutures.

When your coronectomy procedure is completed, you may experience some minor discomfort along with swelling and bleeding within the gums. This should subside over time (about 14 days), and our team of dental professionals will provide all necessary aftercare instructions to ensure you heal properly. You may also need to attend a follow-up appointment so that our team can track your recovery progress. In a very small percentage of patients, the roots left behind can migrate and begin to erupt from the gums or become infected. While this may sound intimidating, it only requires the remaining roots to be removed via a simple extraction, with the risk of nerve damage generally being much lower since the roots have moved away from the nerve.

Why is a coronectomy performed?

Coronectomies are performed when there is a heightened risk of nerve damage due to the tooth’s root being too close to the inferior dental nerve. It is an effective alternative to traditional wisdom tooth extraction that can help prevent numbness or nerve damage and can also be a better option for patients over 40.

Is a coronectomy painful?

No, most patients do not find a coronectomy painful. Before the procedure begins, we will completely numb the teeth and gums with a local anesthetic so you will not feel anything. If you have dental anxiety or are worried about pain, talk to our doctors during your consultation about our sedation dentistry options that can help ease anxiety and enhance your comfort during the procedure. After the procedure, some soreness, minor bleeding, and tenderness are normal and typically subside in about a week. Over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs are often sufficient to reduce any possible discomfort you may have. As with taking any medication, you should always consult your physician first.

How long does a coronectomy take?

Depending on the number of teeth treated, an average coronectomy can take about 45 minutes to one hour.

What happens to the roots after a coronectomy?

Typically, the tooth’s roots remain in the jaw, becoming encased in bone, never to bother you again. However, in some cases, the roots may push through the gums, like getting a new tooth as a child. While this may sound concerning, it’s actually very easy to remedy with a dental visit to extract the protruding root. Since it has moved away from the nerve root, there is a significantly reduced risk of nerve damage with this type of tooth extraction.

In some cases, a coronectomy may be an ideal treatment over wisdom tooth extraction. Our team at Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center will evaluate your teeth and oral health to let you know if a coronectomy is right for you. Learn more by contacting our Corona, CA facility today to schedule a consultation.