University of Sussex
Browse

File(s) not publicly available

A randomised controlled clinical trial to compare the incidence of injury to the inferior alveolar nerve as a result of coronectomy and removal of mandibular third molars

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 14:53 authored by T Renton, M Hankins, C Sproate, M McGurk
We randomised 128 patients who required operations on mandibular third molars and who had radiological evidence of proximity of the third molar to the canal of the inferior alveolar nerve to one of two operations: extraction [n = 102], and coronectomy [n = 94]. Some roots were dislodged during intended coronectomy and were therefore removed, resulting in two subgroups (successful coronectomy n = 58, and failed coronectomy n = 36). The mean (S.D.) follow up was 25 (13) months. Nineteen nerves were damaged (19%) after extraction, none after successful coronectomy, and three (8%) after failed coronectomy (p = 0.01). The incidence of dry socket infection was similar in the three groups (10/102, 10%, 7/58, 12%, and 4/36, 11%, respectively). No root required removal or reoperation. To our knowledge this is the first clinical trial of the efficacy of coronectomy in preserving the inferior alveolar nerve. The length of follow up was about 2 years, which for the assessment of delayed eruption of the root fragments is not sufficient as this process may continue for up to 10 years. However, it seems that coronectomy reduces the incidence of injury to the inferior alveolar nerve without increasing the risk of dry socket or infection.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

ISSN

0266-4356

Publisher

Elsevier

Issue

1

Volume

43

Page range

7-12

Department affiliated with

  • Primary Care and Public Health Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2008-10-24

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC