ORAL SURGERY & SPECIALTY CARE IN BURKE, VA
What Is a Coronectomy? Partial Tooth Removal in Burke, VA
If your wisdom tooth roots sit close to a nerve, a coronectomy may be a gentler option than a full extraction. At MM Dentistry in Burke, VA, Dr. Minh Ma offers this specialty procedure in-house, so you don't have to be referred out to a specialist. We accept most PPO and federal dental insurance plans, and new patients are always welcome. If you're weighing coronectomy vs extraction, we're happy to walk through both options with you, with no pressure either way.
What Is a Coronectomy?
A coronectomy is a type of partial tooth removal wisdom tooth procedure. Instead of pulling the entire tooth, Dr. Ma removes only the crown, the visible part above the gum, and leaves the roots in place. This approach is used when the roots of a lower wisdom tooth sit very close to the nerve that runs through your jaw, called the inferior alveolar nerve. Removing the whole tooth in these cases can raise the risk of nerve damage, so leaving the roots alone protects that nerve while still clearing away the part of the tooth causing problems.
Benefits of Choosing a Coronectomy
Choosing a coronectomy over a full extraction can lower your risk of lasting numbness or tingling in your lip, chin, or tongue. It also tends to mean less bone removal and a gentler procedure overall. Many patients heal faster, since the surgery is less invasive than digging out a root that's wrapped around a nerve. For patients who feel nervous about oral surgery, that can offer real peace of mind.
Are You a Candidate for a Coronectomy?
A coronectomy is not for everyone. Dr. Ma may recommend it when a wisdom tooth is impacted, the roots are visibly close to the nerve on an x-ray or 3D scan, and the tooth itself is not infected or decayed near the roots. It's usually reserved for lower wisdom teeth, since upper teeth rarely sit near this nerve. During your exam, Dr. Ma will review your imaging with you and explain, in plain language, whether this option makes sense or if standard wisdom teeth removal is a better fit.
What to Expect During and After Your Procedure
During the procedure, you'll be numbed with local anesthesia, and sedation is available if you feel anxious. Dr. Ma removes the crown of the tooth, smooths the remaining root a bit below the bone line, and closes the area with stitches. Most patients go home the same day.
Afterward, expect some swelling and soreness for a few days, similar to a regular extraction. Dr. Ma schedules follow-up visits to make sure the area is healing well and the roots stay stable. In most cases, the roots stay put for good. Occasionally they can shift toward the surface over time, in which case a simple follow-up removal may be needed. This is uncommon, and we watch for it at your checkups.
If your case doesn't call for a coronectomy, a standard extraction may be the more straightforward path. Dr. Ma will help you decide based on your imaging and health history.
FAQ
Is a coronectomy painful or risky?
You'll be numb during the procedure, and most patients describe recovery as similar to a routine extraction. Every surgery carries some risk, but a coronectomy is chosen specifically to lower the risk of nerve damage compared to removing a tooth with deeply embedded roots.
Will the remaining root ever need to come out?
In most cases, no. The roots stay in place permanently without causing problems. On rare occasions a root may migrate closer to the surface over time, and Dr. Ma can remove it during a simple follow-up visit if that happens.
Does insurance cover a coronectomy?
Coverage depends on your specific plan, but many PPO and federal dental plans do cover coronectomy when it's medically necessary. Our team accepts a wide range of insurance and can help you understand your benefits before treatment. Visit our insurance and financing page for more details.
Ready for a Healthier Smile?
MM Dentistry is welcoming new patients in Burke, VA, and we accept a wide range of PPO and federal insurance plans. Whether you need a routine cleaning, same-day emergency care, or a cosmetic consultation, our team is here to make your visit easy and comfortable.