Data sources: TPubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and the grey literature database SIGLE.
Study selection: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised controlled trials (CCTs) that compared coronectomy with total removal for third molar extractions with high risk of nerve injury were included.
Data extraction and synthesis: Data were extracted independently and in duplicate by two reviewers. Risk of bias was assessed according to the Cochrane Reviewers' Handbook. Meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed.
Results: Four studies (two RCTs and two CCTs) involving 699 patients and 940 third molars were included. Pooled risk ratios for coronectomy compared with total removal are shown in table 1.Coronectomy was changed to total removal during surgery due to root loosening or mobilisation in 2.3% to 38.3% of cases. In 0% to 4.9% of cases reoperation was required in the coronectomy group due to persistent pain, root exposure or persistent apical infections. Root migration was only reported in three studies and ranged from 13.2% to 85.9%.
Conclusions: We suggest that coronectomy can protect inferior alveolar nerves in the extraction of third molars with high risk of nerve injury as compared with total removal, and that the risk ratios of post-operative infections were similar between the two surgical modalities.