Why Is Mandibular Third Molar Coronectomy Successful Without Concurrent Root Canal Treatment?

Abstract

Coronectomy is performed to avoid injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) when mandibular third molars (M3s) in close proximity to the IAN are indicated for extraction.1 Concern has been raised regarding the fate of submerged roots with exposed pulp tissue and whether this will serve as a nidus for infection. The study purpose was to answer the following clinical question: Among patients undergoing coronectomy, do patients treated with concurrent root canal treatment (RCT), when compared to those not treated with RCT, have a decreased frequency of postoperative infections? The authors hypothesized that concurrent RCT at time of M3 coronectomy does not decrease the frequency of postoperative infections. The specific aims of this paper were to: 1) perform a systematic review to compare postoperative infection rates in M3 coronectomies with and without concurrent RCT; and 2) review relevant animal and human studies pertaining to pulpal physiology as it relates to coronectomy.