Age-Related Differences in Root Migration and Lesion Formation After Third-Molar Coronectomy

BACKGROUND Surgical extraction of third molars related to the inferior alveolar nerve can cause paraesthesia. With coronectomy, the full extraction can be achieved without complications or with minimal complications. The present study aimed to compare the amount of eruption and the parameters of edema, interincisal clearance, and pain in coronectomy procedures performed in patient in different age groups and to evaluate the development of endodontic lesion. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventy-three patients aged 18-55 years were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 age groups: 18-30 years (n=40) and 31-55 years (n=33). After performing the coronectomy, the roots were left in place. Interincisal opening, percentage of edema, and pain scores were recorded preoperatively and on the 3rd and 7th postoperative days. Panoramic radiographs were taken at 6 months to assess root migration. RESULTS The distance of interincisal opening and the percentage of edema on the 3rd day were lower in the 18-30 age group (P<0.001). In both 2 groups, interincisal opening and percentage of edema on the 7th day were close to the preoperative values (P>0.05). In the 18-30 age group, the pain scores on the 3rd and 7th days were higher (P<0.001). Root migration in the 18-30 age group was 2.50±0.42 mm and 2.26±0.56 mm in the 31-55 age group. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups (P=0.288). There was no endodontic lesion formation detected during the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Coronectomy is a practicable approach for mesio-angular impacted third molars in close proximity to inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in individuals aged 18-55 years old.