odontectomy
Pronunciation: oh-don-TEK-toh-mee
Surgical removal of a tooth, particularly used to describe extraction of impacted or partially erupted teeth requiring sectioning.
Full Definition
Odontectomy refers to the surgical removal of teeth, particularly those that are impacted, malpositioned, or otherwise difficult to extract using conventional forceps techniques. The procedure often involves raising a mucoperiosteal flap, removing overlying bone, sectioning the tooth into smaller pieces, and careful elevation of root segments. Odontectomy is most commonly performed for impacted third molars but may also be indicated for other impacted teeth, root tips, or teeth with complex root morphology.
Usage
Usage note: More specific than general 'tooth extraction' when describing surgical removal requiring sectioning or bone removal.
In Context
- "The impacted third molar required full odontectomy with crown and root sectioning." — Surgical procedure note
- "Odontectomy of the retained root tip was performed under local anesthesia." — Treatment plan documentation