Odontectomy
Pronunciation: oh-don-TEK-toh-mee
The surgical removal of a tooth, particularly an impacted or unerupted tooth, requiring bone removal or tissue dissection.
Full Definition
Odontectomy refers specifically to the surgical extraction of a tooth that cannot be removed by simple forceps techniques, typically because the tooth is impacted, unerupted, or has an unusually complex root morphology. The procedure involves incision of the overlying mucosa, removal of surrounding alveolar bone, and sectioning of the tooth when necessary. It is most commonly performed for mandibular third molars (wisdom teeth) and impacted canines. In editorial contexts, 'odontectomy' should be distinguished from 'exodontia' (simple extraction) and from 'extraction,' which is a broader, less procedure-specific term. Operative notes and insurance pre-authorization documents commonly use this term.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'odontectomy' specifically for surgical (non-simple) removal requiring bone work. Do not use interchangeably with 'exodontia' or plain 'extraction.'
In Context
- "The surgical plan outlined a full-bony odontectomy of tooth #17 due to complete impaction within the mandibular ramus." — Pre-operative surgical plan
- "Billing coders and editors must confirm whether 'odontectomy' or 'extraction' is the clinically accurate term before finalising the procedure record." — Clinical billing documentation