Coronectomy of a third molar with cyst lining enucleation in the management of a dentigerous cyst.

UNLABELLED A dentigerous cyst was treated with enucleation and coronectomy of the associated tooth to minimize the risk of inferior alveolar nerve damage, resulting from direct surgical trauma or indirectly from intra-operative or post-operative jaw fracture. Radiographic monitoring over 33 months confirmed migration of the roots through healed bone and progressive obliteration of the residual pulp canal chamber. These observations are not associated with failure of the technique but are, in fact, commonly observed in successful cases of coronectomy. A brief discussion of the risks versus benefits of this treatment modality is presented with reference to the literature available. CLINICAL RELEVANCE In selected cases, coronectomy with cyst enucleation as a one stage procedure may reduce the risk of perioperative nerve damage.