Does Bone Grafting Improve Outcomes in Coronectomy Surgery? Long-Term (5- to 9-Year) Clinical and Radiographic Follow-Up of 78 Adult Patients

Abstract

Purpose: To report the long-term outcomes of 78 adult patients who underwent coronectomy with bone grafting (CWG) of the bony crypt.

Materials and methods: Seventy-eight patients with follow-up of at least 5 to 9 years underwent CWG. Preoperative imaging and probing depths were recorded, as were yearly follow-up radiographs or cone-beam computed tomograms and yearly postoperative probing depths.

Results: Periodontal probing depths and bone levels on the distal surfaces of adjacent mandibular molars showed marked improvement compared with preoperative probing depths and bone levels. All retained roots maintained their immediate postoperative positions with no migrations and no reoperations required.

Conclusion: CWG is a predictable procedure that should be considered for patients at risk for developing sensory disturbances or for those with deeper (>4 mm) preoperative probing depths on the distal surfaces of the adjacent molars. Adding bone graft appears to aid in preventing root migration and decreasing probing depths on the distal surfaces of adjacent molars.