When it comes to extracting impacted mandibular third molars, the risk of causing damage to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is a significant concern for both dentists and patients. Traditional methods of complete tooth extraction have been associated with temporary or permanent neurological disturbances. However, an alternative procedure known as coronectomy has emerged as a promising technique to mitigate these risks. Coronectomy involves the removal of only the crown of the tooth, leaving the roots in place to avoid direct or indirect injury to the IAN. Incidentally, leaving root remnants after a tooth has been pulled was once considered taboo. This systematic review, based on ten studies, aims to elucidate the clinical effectiveness of coronectomy, particularly focusing on outcomes like nerve injury, post-operative complications, and the need for subsequent surgeries. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature, I explore how coronectomy can serve as a safer approach for managing third molars in close proximity to critical anatomical structures.
Read MoreIn my daily practice, I often find infected teeth that the patient is entirely unaware of. Most often, I find asymptomatic infections on radiographs (x-rays). Sometimes, I can see what appears to be a pimple on the gums adjacent to the tooth, usually at the level of the root tip. The pimple is usually on the cheek side (buccal). However, they are occasionally found on the tongue side (known as the palatal on the upper and lingual on the lower). Technically a pimple around a tooth is known as a dentoalveolar fistula. I will talk about what they are, how they form, what to do if you have one, and how to prevent them.
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