Coronectomy Versus Surgical Extraction for Mandibular Third Molars—A Pilot Study Assessing Patient Reported Outcome Measures for Post‐Operative Recovery

ABSTRACT Introduction Surgical extraction of impacted Mandibular Third Molars (M3M) is one of the most common oral surgery procedures. Coronectomy procedures provide an alternative technique in cases of high‐risk inferior alveolar nerve damage. Recovery from both treatments can impact quality of life and may influence patient decisions. Aim To improve information provision on recovery and post‐operative effects of surgery during patient decision‐making for coronectomies and surgical extractions of M3M. Method Twenty patients receiving coronectomies and 20 patients receiving surgical extractions were surveyed on postoperative days 1, 3, 7 and 14. The following parameters were assessed: pain, swelling, disturbed sleep, feeling unwell, difficulty carrying out day‐to‐day tasks, difficulty eating, difficulty brushing/cleaning the back of the mouth, difficulty opening the mouth, and return to work/social activities. A two‐way repeated measures ANOVA test was carried out. Results Days 1 and 3 exhibited the most severe symptoms across all parameters for both cohorts. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in scores among the parameters and across all days for both treatments. Social limitations were similar for both groups, with 30% of patients returning to work/social activities on day 1 and 100% on day 14. Type of impaction did not appear to influence the severity scores in either group. Conclusion While the subjective nature of the results should be considered, the immediate and short‐term postoperative recovery is comparable for coronectomies and surgical extractions of M3M.