Abstract
Exodontia is a common yet technically demanding procedure in small animal dentistry due to anatomical constraints and proximity to vital structures. Coronal sectioning is a strategic technique that facilitates safer and more controlled extractions, particularly in anatomically complex cases. This presentation examines the clinical indications, risks, and applications of coronal sectioning in feline and canine patients, aiming to enhance surgical access, reduce iatrogenic trauma, and broaden the clinician’s procedural repertoire through case-based insights.

Contents of the Presentation
Exodontia (tooth extraction) is undoubtedly one of the most frequently performed oral surgical procedures in small animal practice. Despite clinicians encountering the necessity for this procedure in many clinical settings, exodontia can be technically challenging due to the anatomical structures and their location: tooth roots are often fragile, may have a longer crown-to-root ratio, and apices may have some malformation, such as dilaceration, which can complicate removal. The oral cavity itself is typically small, with limited visualisation. The apical third of the roots often lies in very close proximity to other important anatomical structures, including the mandibular canals, infraorbital canal, infraorbital foramen and middle mental foramen.

Some teeth requiring extractions may have very little to no interdental space between them and the adjacent teeth. These anatomical nuances increase the risks of iatrogenic trauma and perioperative surgical morbidity. There are several terms for “cutting the crown” in dentistry, including coronectomy, odonectomy, and crown amputation. Coronectomy, also known as partial odonectomy, is a process that involves extracting the crown of a vital tooth with the purpose of intentional root retention. “Coronal sectioning” is typically performed on multi-rooted teeth to create a separate segment, thereby facilitating the extractions of individual roots. It can also be performed on single-rooted teeth, including the permanent canine tooth and the deciduous canine tooth, to facilitate:
1. Improving visualisation of the surgical field, particularly in anatomically constrained areas for instrumentation.
2. Enhanced access and anchorage for hand instrumentation, aiding better control of hand instruments during extraction.
3. Reduced perioperative surgical and iatrogenic complications.

Despite its advantages, the performance of crown sectioning during tooth extraction carries some risks, including the potential for inadvertent damage to the adjacent tooth structure. It may also weaken the remaining tooth structure, which may lead to tooth or root fractures. This presentation explores the indications, contraindications and clinical reasoning behind coronal sectioning in feline and canine patients for the purpose of exodontia. Through the presentation of case examples and information regarding the assessment of tooth structures, it is hoped that the strategic applications of the coronal sectioning technique may expand the clinicians’ armamentarium in canine and feline dental extraction techniques and assist in reducing the potential perioperative surgical morbidity and trauma to the patient.