What are potential complications when performing a coronectomy?

Coronectomy is a dental procedure often performed on partially erupted or non-erupted teeth, particularly third molars, to remove the crown while leaving the roots in place. This technique is typically employed to minimize the risk of nerve injury, especially in cases where the roots are close to important anatomical structures such as the inferior alveolar nerve. However, several complications can arise from this procedure.

Infection can occur at the surgical site due to the opening created when the crown is removed, leading to potential exposure of the underlying tissues. This is a common risk with any surgical procedure involving the oral cavity.

Root resorption is another potential complication. Leaving the roots in place can lead to inflammatory processes that result in resorption of the root structure over time. This complication can affect the integrity of the remaining root and has implications for future treatments.

Incomplete eruption of the tooth may also occur. If a tooth is coronectomized but its roots remain undisturbed, the surrounding soft tissue may hinder the eruption of any fragments or tissue remnants, leading to complications such as localized infection or cyst formation.

Considering the nature of these complications, all three (infection, root resorption, and incomplete eruption) are indeed potential issues that can arise during or after a coron