Extending Coronectomy Indications to Third Molars with Taurodontism to Prevent Paresthesia and Mandible Fracture

Abstract

Taurodontism is considered a dental anomaly responsible for a morphoanatomical change in the shape of the tooth in which the roots are reduced in size but the body of the tooth is enlarged and bulky. The aim of this paper is to present a case of a 25-year-old female patient with taurodontism of mandibular partially erupted third molars, presenting a high risk of angle fracture and paresthesia in case of their removal, treated by means of coronectomy. The postoperative period was uneventful and the patient remained in follow-up for 12 months. In conclusion, the identification of third molars with higher risk of complications related to their extractions is the key to consider conservative measures to avoid problems. Coronectomy is a relatively simple technique that should be taken into account when considering bulky, deeply located third molars with a high risk of paresthesia or mandibular fracture, even in presence of taurodontism.

Prevalence of taurodontism in individuals in Northwest China determined by cone-beam computed tomography images

“…Also, hypotaurodontism was the most common type of taurodontism. Dental treatments of such taurodontic teeth are challenging because of the special morphology that these teeth exhibit [ [33] , [34] , [35] ]. The results of this study could provide clinicians with more anatomical knowledge of taurodontism so that they could accurately diagnose and treat taurodontism in clinical practice.…”