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Journal of Current Research in Oral Surgery

2026 Volume 6 Issue 1

Imaging-Based Determination of Optimal Sectioning Parameters for Coronectomy in Impacted Mandibular Third Molars


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  1. Department of Oral Surgery and Dental Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
  2. Department of Maxillofacial Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Oral Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Abstract

Coronectomy is a less hazardous option than extraction for third molars that pose an elevated risk of damaging the inferior alveolar nerve. Nevertheless, the procedure can still lead to complications due to the lack of uniform, effective tooth-sectioning methodologies. We advanced a standardized protocol for third molar coronectomy, with uniform tooth sectioning parameters to reduce potential complications, operative failure, and the need for subsequent interventions. The research was executed on 69 suitable archived CBCTs. The mandibular coronal sections at the foremost level of the lower third molar served to ascertain diverse axes and reference landmarks. This was performed to define the target angle and depth for the coronectomy cut. Depth and angle data for the sectioning were conveyed as means and standard deviations. A multivariate analysis of variance was employed to assess the effects of the study variables on drill depth and angle. Linear regression and correlation among the study variables were also used to predict the drill depth and angle. The sample comprised 46 males and 23 females, aged 21 to 47 years. The mean drill angle was calculated as 25.01 ± 3.28. The mean drill depth was 9.60 ± 9.90 mm. Bucco-lingual inclination exerted a notable influence on drill depth, F(1, 62) = 5.15, P < 0.05, yet no meaningful impact on drill angle, F(1, 62) = 29.62, P > 0.05. The outcomes imply that a uniform sectioning protocol can prove efficacious during operative coronectomy procedures. The drill is to be executed at a 25-degree angulation to a depth of 9.5 mm to attain the desired results. Such an approach will ensure that no residual enamel remains, reduce the risk of root displacement and subsequent surfacing, and improve the outcome.


How to cite this article
Vancouver
Nkosi T, Molefe L, Dlamini S, Mokoena A, Ndlovu K. Imaging-Based Determination of Optimal Sectioning Parameters for Coronectomy in Impacted Mandibular Third Molars. J Curr Res Oral Surg. 2026;6(1):107-13. https://doi.org/10.51847/0EpHYdwG6n
APA
Nkosi, T., Molefe, L., Dlamini, S., Mokoena, A., & Ndlovu, K. (2026). Imaging-Based Determination of Optimal Sectioning Parameters for Coronectomy in Impacted Mandibular Third Molars. Journal of Current Research in Oral Surgery, 6(1), 107-113. https://doi.org/10.51847/0EpHYdwG6n
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