Objective: To monitor the long-term morbidity of retained roots up to 5 years following lower third molars coronectomy with close proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN).
Study design: A prospective study on long-term morbidities after lower third molar coronectomy.
Results: This study included 612 lower third molar coronectomies in 458 patients. The prevalence of IAN injury was 0.16% (1/612) and was temporary. Long-term postoperative infection occurred in 1 case at 6 months following surgery and another at 12 months. No infection was found after 12 months. The incidence rates of pain at 6 months, 12 months, 24 months after surgery were 0.50% (3/596), 0.38% (2/529), 0.49% (2/411), respectively. Root exposure was noted in 2.3% of cases (14/612). Reoperation to remove the exposed root did not cause any IAN deficit.
Conclusions: Lower third molar coronectomy is safe in the long term.
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