If the extraction of retained eights is keeping you up at night, perhaps a coronectomy in the UK is a good option for you. This procedure has been known to dental surgeons for over 20 years and its biggest advantage is that, unlike extraction, it does not involve the risk of damage to the lower alveolar nerve. Read what exactly a coronectomy involves. 

What is a coronectomy in the UK?

This treatment is precisely the alternative to extraction of retained eights. In simplest terms, a coronectomy in the UK involves removing the crown of a retained third molar and leaving its root. This makes the lower alveolar nerve completely safe. 

You ask, what about the rest of the tooth? Will it stay in place? After some time, the roots may start to migrate towards where the crown of the tooth used to be - this can take about three to six months, and sometimes longer. Then it is time for the second procedure - removing them. 

Interestingly, this is not always necessary, so many patients end up with just one visit. Not every root will migrate. The remaining part of the tooth has to be removed if bacteria get into it, but this affects a small percentage of those treated. If the root does not move or become infected, the patient does not need to undergo another treatment.

Indications for coronectomy

As we mentioned earlier, coronectomy in the UK is a procedure that is still less popular than extraction of retained eights. Researchers hope this will soon change, as it carries less risk of damage to the alveolar nerve. 

However, patients do not always have a choice, as there are indications for coronectomy, which rule out extraction. This will include a patient's reduced immunity, conditions such as osteoporosis, crown decay or diabetes! Of course, the final decision will be made by your dental surgeon. The specialist will know best which procedure to perform in your case. 

If you would like to find out more about surgical tooth extraction in the UK, we encourage you to read our article: "Surgical tooth extraction in the UK - when is it necessary? What does it look like? How much does it cost?". 

Coronectomy in the UK - what are the possible complications? 

A coronectomy is a procedure that is still being intensively researched by scientists. Of course, as with the extraction of retained eights, complications can occur here too. Patients most often complain of pain after the procedure, difficulties with healing. In a small percentage of cases there is damage to the alveolar nerve, but this is temporary. 

However, it is worth pointing out that any of these complications also occur after the removal of eights - and recent research shows that they are much, much more common than after a corpectomy procedure in the UK. So you have nothing to fear - in the hands of a good specialist, no harm will come to you and, what's more, you will have just reduced the risk of complications. 

What does healing look like? 

Healing after a coronectomy procedure in the UK looks similar to that after surgical removal of retained teeth. You may be accompanied by pain and swelling, and in some cases a few days off work will be useful, but this is not usually necessary. 

Cold compresses and painkillers will help. 

Drinking alcohol, smoking is prohibited and taking aspirin. Also give up intense exercise - now is not the time! Read what to do to speed up healing: "What not to do after a tooth extraction and how to speed up healing?". 

How much does a coronectomy procedure cost in the UK? 

In our UK clinic, the price of a coronectomy starts from £200. The cost depends, of course, on the individual patient's case. 

Importantly - if the treatment is more than £350, you can take advantage of our attractive instalments! You can read more about them in our article: "Teeth on credit: dental treatment on hire purchase". You need to know that our instalment system is 100% secure and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 619628).

We encourage you to make use of the services of our practice. Together we will take care of your teeth! We offer friendly, professional service and prices which will not ruin your wallet. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us contact. We will be happy to dispel all your doubts!