You have a wisdom tooth infection and that can cause problems like pain and infection. Most important it can cause damage to the neighbouring 2nd Molar as you cannot brush and keep that area clean. Typically, a minor surgery is done and the whole wisdom tooth or 3rd Molar is removed.

Sometimes Surgical Extracting can be difficult and can damage the nerve or artery running near the roots of the tooth. This is the inferior alveolar nerve and artery that runs through the jawbone. Damage to this nerve can cause prolonged numbness to the jaw for 3-6 months. Damage to the artery can cause prolonged bleeding. Both of these are complications, and the dentist needs to be cautious and avoid.

Based on the X rays and dentist’s clinical inspection a dentist may choose to do a Coronectomy to avoid these complications if it is expected. Basically, a coronectomy is a surgical procedure that removes only the upper part of the tooth, leaving the roots intact. This is done to avoid damage to the nerve as well as excessive bleeding. After a small incision is made in the gum, the dentist removes the upper part, leaving the roots undisturbed. This reduces the risk of nerve damage. This also removes the blocks to brushing in the area between the 3rd and 2nd molars.

The roots remain in the jaw bone and mostly do not give any trouble once the gums close up around them. Rarely the roots migrate upwards and months or years later a simple and easy extraction is done to remove them.

Post-operative care is required just like any normal wisdom tooth surgery. Coronectomy is not suitable for everyone, and your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate your case and advise you of the option if you need it. Consult with your dentist or oral surgeon, they will advise you on your best option.