Coronectomy in Manhattan, NYC

What Is a Coronectomy?

A coronectomy is a surgical procedure that removes only the crown—the visible part—of a wisdom tooth, while intentionally leaving the roots intact. This method is often used when the roots are in close proximity to critical structures such as the inferior alveolar nerve. By avoiding root extraction, the procedure reduces the risk of nerve damage, numbness, or long-term tingling in the lower lip, chin, or tongue.

When Is a Coronectomy Recommended?

This procedure may be recommended during your evaluation if:

• A standard wisdom tooth extraction poses a high risk to nearby nerves
• You have impacted third molars located close to the jawbone or nerve canal
• Imaging reveals curved or deeply embedded roots
• There is no evidence of infection or decay in the root structure
• Your oral surgeon determines that leaving the root will not lead to future complications

At both practices, our team uses cone beam CT imaging to assess root position and plan the procedure with maximum precision.

Coronectomy vs. Full Extraction

While a traditional extraction removes the entire tooth—including its roots—a coronectomy is ideal when full removal is more likely to result in nerve trauma or excessive bone loss. Benefits include:

• Preserving nearby nerve function
• Reducing the risk of postoperative complications
• Minimizing surgical time and recovery
• Preventing root migration or jaw fracture in high-risk cases

During your consultation, we’ll review your diagnostic scans and help you understand whether a coronectomy or full extraction is more appropriate for your case.

A Focus on Surgical Precision and Safety

At Madison Dental Loft, precision-guided coronectomy procedures are supported by high-resolution CBCT imaging and a digitally driven surgical workflow. These tools allow Dr. Yohan Kim, Dr. Jonathan Wu, Dr. Kate Zhang, Dr. Sahiba Atwal-Purewal, and Dr. Raysa Perez to perform targeted, minimally invasive care that protects surrounding anatomy and promotes predictable healing.

At Concierge Dental Design, coronectomy cases are approached with detailed pre-op planning and a strong emphasis on patient education. Dr. Violet Jang works closely with each patient to ensure they understand the risks, benefits, and postoperative expectations unique to this specialized procedure.

What to Expect After Your Coronectomy

• Mild Discomfort: Most patients experience mild to moderate soreness for a few days
• Low Risk of Nerve Disturbance: Since the root remains, nerve damage is unlikely
• Minimal Swelling: Less invasive than full extraction, recovery is often smoother
• Routine Monitoring: We’ll follow up to confirm proper healing and ensure no root migration occurs

If root movement is detected later on, it can typically be managed with a follow-up procedure, though most patients never require additional treatment.