What's the Difference Between Wisdom Tooth Extraction and a Coronectomy?

Dentists often deal with problem wisdom teeth by extracting them. However, in some cases, this isn't the best way to fix wisdom teeth problems, and dentists may recommend a coronectomy instead. What's the difference between these two treatments?

What Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Wisdom teeth can be problematic. They may not come through the gum fully or they may grow at unusual angles. If it isn't viable to keep a wisdom tooth in the mouth, dentists may recommend that the tooth is completely removed.

If you have a wisdom tooth extracted, then your dentist will take out the whole tooth, right down to its roots. There won't be any of the tooth left in your mouth after the procedure.

Extraction is often recommended as the easiest way to fix wisdom teeth problems as long as there are no underlying issues with the placement of the tooth itself. Once your mouth heals after extraction surgery, you typically don't have any further trouble in the area. Removing the tooth usually fixes the problem.

What Is a Coronectomy?

While most challenging wisdom teeth are extracted, there are times when this isn't the best way to treat the tooth. Sometimes, a different procedure is a better option. This procedure is called a coronectomy.

A coronectomy doesn't remove the whole tooth. Typically, this treatment involves taking out the main top part of the tooth. The inner pulp and the tooth's roots are left in place in your jaw. Over time, your bone will usually grow over the parts of the tooth that are left behind and seal them off.

Generally, a coronectomy is only used over an extraction if the location of the wisdom tooth's roots is difficult. For example, some roots may get tangled up with some of your facial nerves. An extraction may damage these nerves, so a coronectomy is a safer bet. This procedure doesn't need to go near the nerves at all.

While a coronectomy usually fixes wisdom teeth problems, some patients may need further treatment in the future. For example, in a few instances, patients who have had a coronectomy may need to have the rest of the tooth extracted anyway at a later date.

Your dentist can explain more about these two options and how they work. If you have been advised to have a coronectomy, your dentist can also explain why this is the best way of dealing with your wisdom tooth.