Coronectomy in Caldwell and Florham Park, NJ

An Alternative to Wisdom Tooth Extraction

It’s often recommended that wisdom teeth be removed before patients experience painful symptoms. Unfortunately, sometimes people don’t have their wisdom teeth removed before the roots grow around the nerve in the lower jaw. At this point, wisdom teeth extraction is much more likely to result in permanent nerve damage.

If your case is this advanced, undergoing a wisdom tooth extraction may not be the best option. Fortunately, at NJ Center for Oral Surgery, Dr. Kirsch, Dr. Jacobs, and Dr. Zambetti offer the coronectomy procedure as a safe alternative technique to reduce the risks of nerve damage from wisdom tooth extraction.

What Is A Coronectomy?

Coronectomy involves the removal of the crown of a tooth. If your surgeon finds that the root is away from the alveolar nerve and is able to remove the roots, they’ll be removed before they can be infected. Late eruption of the roots left in the bone may still occur. However, in all cases reported the root fragments moved into a safer position away from the nerve. If future removal does become necessary, the nerve wouldn’t be at such high risk. 

When Coronectomy Becomes Necessary

When wisdom teeth aren’t removed in time, the roots grow around the nerve in the lower jaw. Extracting these wisdom teeth can cause damage to the inferior alveolar nerve. The nerve that provides sensation to the lower lip, chins, gums, and teeth. This damage is often caused by the close relationship between the nerve and the roots of the teeth.

Surgical tooth extraction isn’t recommended when the roots are already wrapped around or touching the nerve since it carries an increased risk of nerve damage. In these cases, a coronectomy is recommended to prevent temporary or permanent loss of feeling.

Do you need a Coronectomy? Contact us to make an appointment today!

Caldwell
NJ Center for Oral Surgery Phone Number 973-226-8444
Florham Park
Florham Park Office (North Tower) Phone Number 973-261-8444
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About the Procedure

The coronectomy procedure is rapidly becoming the preferred option for the treatment of impacted wisdom teeth that pose a high risk to the sensory nerve. During the procedure, we’ll make a small incision in the gums to expose the roots. From there, the bone around the tooth is drilled away. The crown is taken out with the drill and your surgeon will smooth out the tooth’s surface with the drill. The gums will be placed into their original position and stitched back Afterward, our surgeons will place a small bone graft on top of the remaining roots to aid bone coverage. The procedure can take around 30 to 40 minutes to complete.

There are currently no standards regarding the timing and frequency of follow-up of patients who had the procedures. However, our New Jersey surgeons recommend a follow-up Panorex radiograph one year following the initial procedure.

Before Coronectomy
Immediately After Coronectomy
1 Year After Coronectomy – notice the roots are now off the nerve
Before coronectomy
Dental x-ray
One year after Coronectomy

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for a coronectomy?

During your consultation with one of our surgeons, we’ll check to see if you have one or more of these factors:

  • Wisdom teeth have grown around the alveolar nerve. 
  • Have large wisdom teeth with long roots
  • Have trouble with your wisdom teeth and need them to be removed

It’s important to understand not everyone qualifies for a coronectomy. If you want to learn more about the coronectomy procedure, contact our Caldwell office at (973)-NJ Center for Oral Surgery Phone Number 973-226-8444 or our Florham Park office at (973)-Florham Park Office (North Tower) Phone Number 973-261-8444 to schedule an appointment.

What are the side effects after the coronectomy procedure?

When you undergo your coronectomy procedure, you’ll likely notice the following side effects:

  • Swollen gums
  • Trouble opening your mouth
  • Bleeding from the wound
  • Bruised or injured nerves

We’ll provide you with bandages to wear to protect the surgical site. These side effects may last up to two weeks before you’ll fully recover. You can take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen to alleviate the pain and soreness. 

If you continue to experience pain and discomfort for more than two weeks, contact our Caldwell office at (973)-NJ Center for Oral Surgery Phone Number 973-226-8444 or our Florham Park office at (973)-Florham Park Office (North Tower) Phone Number 973-261-8444 to schedule an appointment. Our surgeons will assess your condition and determine the best course of action.

What can I eat after my coronectomy procedure?

After your coronectomy procedure, it’s recommended that you switch your diet to soft or liquid foods, such as:

  • Applesauce
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Juices and smoothies
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Blended soups and broth
  • Yogurt and pudding

Visit NJ Center for Oral Surgery For Coronectomies 

Ready to find out if you need wisdom teeth removal or qualify for a coronectomy? Call our Caldwell office at (973)-NJ Center for Oral Surgery Phone Number 973-226-8444 or our Florham Park office at (973)-Florham Park Office (North Tower) Phone Number 973-261-8444 to schedule an appointment. At NJ Center for Oral Surgery, our oral surgeons have the skills and experience to help you save and maintain your oral health. 

Our team in Caldwell and Florham Park is dedicated to helping you get the care you need in the surrounding Newark areas such as Morristown, Springfield, and Little Falls, NJ. We look forward to hearing from you!