Coronectomy: When and Why It Is Used

Sometimes, dentists may see, in a dental X-ray, that a wisdom tooth has grown a little too close to a major nerve. In that case, a complete wisdom tooth extraction isn’t always the safest move, and your dentist may need to use a technique called a coronectomy. It’s a procedure sometimes dentists use to solve a tricky problem without risking nerve damage. If your dentist has mentioned it, or you’ve seen the word online and wondered what it actually means, you’re in the right place. Be with us as Dr Roya, our South Perth Dentist explains what a coronectomy involves and when it’s used.

Coronectomy: Definition

During a coronectomy, your dentist removes only the crown — the part of the tooth above the gum — and leaves the roots in place. This technique is often used when a wisdom tooth grows very close to a major nerve in the jaw. Instead of taking the whole tooth out and risking nerve injury, your dentist carefully removes and smooths the top portion and makes sure the remaining roots stay healthy and undisturbed.
Would you like to learn more about wisdom teeth? Read our comprehensive wisdom teeth removal in Perth guide.

What Is the Purpose of Coronectomy?

A coronectomy is done to protect an important nerve that runs through your lower jaw. Sometimes, a wisdom tooth grows so close to this nerve that removing the entire tooth could cause your lip or chin to feel numb. Instead, the dentist removes only the top part — the crown — and leaves the roots in place.

That way, the problem tooth is fixed, but the nerve stays safe.

When A Coronectomy Is Not Suitable

A coronectomy isn’t suitable for every wisdom tooth. If the tooth is infected, loose, or has damaged roots, full removal is usually the safer choice. It’s also not recommended when the roots aren’t healthy or the tooth is already moving. Your dentist will review your X-rays carefully to decide whether a coronectomy or complete wisdom tooth extraction is the better option.

How A Coronectomy Is Performed

Here’s what typically happens during a procedure — step by step, so you know exactly what to expect:

Local anaesthetic: First, your dentist numbs the area to make sure you stay comfortable throughout the procedure.

Accessing the tooth: They will then make a small opening in your gum to reach the wisdom tooth. In some cases, a small amount of bone may be gently removed to fully expose the crown.

Removing the crown: The dentist gently separates the top part of the tooth (the crown) from the roots and removes it.

Smoothing and cleaning: After that, they smooth the surface and clean the area to lower the risk of infection.

Closing the gum: Finally, they reposition the gum and close it with tiny stitches that usually dissolve on their own.

The procedure is usually quick, and you’ll be able to go home the same day.

Benefits of A Coronectomy

A coronectomy is usually a safer option when a wisdom tooth has developed very close to a major nerve. When a wisdom tooth develops too close to a nerve, full removal can sometimes lead to tingling or numbness around the lip or chin. A coronectomy helps avoid that risk by taking out just the crown and leaving the roots untouched.

Possible Risks and Side Effects

Even a small dental procedure can have a few side effects, and a coronectomy is no exception. After the surgery, the area may feel slightly sore or swollen for a few days — that’s completely normal. There’s also a small chance of dry socket, minor nerve irritation, or that the leftover roots may move slightly or cause an infection later, though these are uncommon. Your dentist keeps a close eye on how things heal and ensures everything is settling as it should. Most people recover quickly and don’t experience any major issues.

What Happens to The Roots After Surgery

After a coronectomy, the roots of your wisdom tooth stay inside your jaw — kind of like leaving the base of a tree in the ground after cutting off the top. Your body then builds new bone over those roots to keep them protected. Most of the time, they just stay there quietly and never bother you again. Sometimes, they may shift a little as your mouth heals, but your dentist will check on them during follow-up visits to make sure everything’s fine.

How Common Is Coronectomy?

Coronectomy isn’t something dentists do every day, but it’s not rare either. It’s a well-recognised option when a wisdom tooth is located very close to an important nerve. Dentists only choose this method when they think removing the whole tooth could be risky. Most wisdom tooth removals don’t need it, but a coronectomy is a safe and proven choice when the nerve is at risk.

Success Rates In Research

According to studies, coronectomy is generally effective when the tooth is close to a nerve. It significantly reduces the risk of nerve injury compared to full removal, although no procedure is entirely risk-free. A small number of people — roughly 4% to 10% — may need a simple follow-up treatment later, depending on the follow-up period and the technique used. Most of the time, the roots remain in place, and everything heals without complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a coronectomy? Dentists may sometimes perform a coronectomy if the patient’s wisdom tooth has grown very close to an important nerve in their jaw — the nerve that controls feeling in the lip and chin. Removing the whole tooth could touch or damage that nerve, so instead, the dentist only takes out the top part and leaves the roots in place. It’s a bit like trimming a tree but keeping the roots underground — the issue is handled safely without disturbing what’s underneath.

What is the difference between a coronectomy and removal? The difference between a coronectomy and a full removal is pretty simple. In a regular wisdom tooth extraction, the dentist takes out the whole wisdom tooth, including the roots. In a coronectomy, they only remove the top part and leave the roots where they are to keep the nearby nerve safe.

What happens to roots after a coronectomy? After a coronectomy, the roots of your wisdom tooth stay safely inside your jaw. Your body then forms new bone around them.

How painful is a coronectomy? The area will be completely numb during the procedure, so you’ll only notice some pressure, not pain. Once the anaesthetic wears off, it can feel tender for a few days — similar to biting your cheek or having a sore gum.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for general information only and should not be taken as medical advice. Every patient’s situation is different, and treatment decisions should be made after a personal consultation with a qualified dentist or oral surgeon. If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or other dental concerns, please contact your dentist for an individual assessment.

Book a Consultation to Discuss Your Options

If you’d like to understand your options more clearly, we’re here to help. Call (08) 9474 5083 to book a consultation and speak with our dental team. We’ll go over your X-rays, explain the procedure, and help you make an informed decision that feels right for you.