Comparing the Outcomes of Conventional Coronectomy and Graft Coronectomy: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Coronectomy is a widely accepted alternative surgical treatment modality in which only the crown of an impacted tooth is removed, leaving the roots and their associated nerve untouched. Uncertainty remains regarding whether intraoperative bone grafting of the coronectomy socket can reduce the incidence of typical postoperative procedure-related complications. Objective: The purpose of this literature review is to compare the outcomes of conventional coronectomy (CC) and grafted coronectomy (GC) in terms of whether adding a bone graft material after coronectomy of impacted mandibular third molars would decrease the incidence of typical complications. Methods: A total of 13 cases identified from electronic databases were included in this review based on their clinical relevance. Results: In general, there were no significant differences between conventional coronectomy and grafted coronectomy regarding the incidence of postoperative morbidities. However, grafted coronectomy with the placement of a bone graft material in the coronectomy socket could significantly decrease the incidence of root migration requiring re-operation of the exposed roots and reduce the preexisting pocket depth distal to the 2nd molar, especially in patients with mesioangular, impacted or horizontal wisdom teeth. Conclusion: According to the existing literature, grafted coronectomy might offer better clinical outcomes and can minimize the typical procedure-related drawbacks of conventional coronectomy while having similar surgical morbidities.