Intentional partial odontectomy: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Intentional partial odontectomy or coronectomy is a surgical approach that consists of removing the coronary portion of impacted mandibular molars and maintaining their roots in the dental alveolus. This technique is indicated when there is an intimate relationship between the tooth and the mandibular canal and its main objective is prevent injuries to the lower alveolar nerve. Case report: Male patient, 24 years old, ASA I, compared the Clinical School of Surgery of a public university for extraction of the impacted lower third molar (48). On clinical or dental examination, we present semi impacted wisdom tooth and on radiographic examination (panoramic + computed tomography), an intimate relationship between the root of the tooth and the mandibular canal was observed. Therefore, intentional partial odontectomy was performed in order to preserve the adjacent vascular-nervous bundle. The patient progressed satisfactorily without signs of infection or sensory alteration of lower alveolar nerve. Final considerations: Intentional partial odontectomy is a safe, effective and predictable technique, being an alternative that can be used in extractions of mandibular molars, including those close to the mandibular canal, minimizing the risk of nerve injuries to patients.