anyone heard of coronectomy?

[anx_guy]

I posted in another thread that I have a fear of nerve damage from my upcoming wisdom tooth extraction. My x-ray shows that the root of my tooth is on the inferior alveolar nerve. So rather than risk going through life with a numb face, I am looking for safer options.

Anyone know of a procedure called coronectomy? It's supposed to be when the surgeon sections the tooth, and removes as much of the tooth as possible... leaving the root which is in close proximity with the nerve. It seems like this procedure would eliminate my wisdom tooth problem, and guarantee that the nerve won't be damaged.

How common is this practice? Could anyone offer some input or advice about it?

 

[DrMike]

I think that they would be reluctant as if the piece of root which is left becomes infected- it would then be a bigger job to remove it, which would actually put the nerve at greater risk than if it were just removed now along with the crown of the tooth. Ask your surgeon about it and tell them how concerned you are about the whole thing.
It is a hard call to make when they tell you about the possible side effects (numbness)- however- i honestly think from what you have written in your posts that the surrgeon isn't overly concerned about this happening. my gut feeling would be to go with the fact that the chance of things being ok is far greater than that of there being problems. if you do nothing you are perhaps at greater risk of other problems..... and would still need the tooth out ultimately anyway.

my main advice would be that you should stop searching google ('googlitis' is a big problem- people can really scare themselves about medical and dental issues by self diagnosing online- i know cos i did it once myself.......... and was wrong!!) contact your dentist again and say that you really need to talk things over before you can make any decision.
try as we might to reassure you or offer advice- without an xray or exam- it is impossible to give you a meaningful opinion or advice.

i hope this helps

dr mike