← All explanationsCoronectomy

Why might only a wisdom tooth crown be removed?

A coronectomy removes the crown of a lower wisdom tooth while deliberately retaining its roots. For selected teeth close to the lower-jaw nerve, this may reduce nerve-injury risk. It is not suitable for every tooth.

For training & practice ↓
SMILE meets DESIGN
Sectional model of an inclined lower wisdom tooth near the illustrated mandibular canal.AI-generated
Teaching model showing the proximity of roots and canal.
01 / 03

Assess nerve proximity

Imaging and examination show the relation of roots to the mandibular canal.

02 / 03

Crown rather than whole tooth

Roots are intentionally retained when suitable.

03 / 03

Plan reviews

Roots may migrate or cause later problems; further treatment is sometimes needed.

Read the full explanation
  1. Assess nerve proximity

    Imaging and examination show the relation of roots to the mandibular canal.

  2. Crown rather than whole tooth

    Roots are intentionally retained when suitable.

  3. Plan reviews

    Roots may migrate or cause later problems; further treatment is sometimes needed.

Notes on the teaching images
  • Teaching model showing the proximity of roots and canal.
  • Principle of crown removal · not a surgical plan.
  • Symbolic illustration: retained roots need planned review.

At a glance

When?

Selected teeth close to the nerve.

Always suitable?

No.

Afterwards?

Planned reviews.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.

Coronectomy: short film

Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.

Often confused

Not a restorative crown

Coronectomy is surgery, not fitting a dental crown.

Quick answers
Is this an accidentally broken tooth?

No. It is a planned procedure requiring consent and follow-up.

Is nerve injury impossible?

No. Risk may be reduced in suitable cases, not eliminated.

Can diseased or non-vital roots be left?

These findings may make the procedure unsuitable and require individual surgical assessment.

At the practice

For a personal discussion

Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:

How close are the roots to the nerve, and what are the options?

Discuss your wisdom-tooth findings and whether surgical referral is appropriate.

Discuss a wisdom toothAppointment selection at Doctolib
Meet Dr. Niusha Barahmand Pour ↗
Learning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
Crown
Upper part of a natural tooth.
Mandibular canal
Bony passage for a nerve and vessels.
Root migration
Movement of retained roots.

Make the distinction

Coronectomy is surgery, not fitting a dental crown.

Knowledge questionWhat is deliberately retained?

For learning, not for assessing personal symptoms. Your answer is not stored or sent.

  1. Suitable roots.
  2. Always the entire crown.
  3. A new ceramic crown.
View answer

Suitable roots.

The natural crown is removed and suitable roots retained.

Sources and context

Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.