Introduction

Replacement resorption may develop as a consequence of traumas leading to permanent damage to the periodontium. This process is irreversible, cannot be stopped, and it means that consequently, it leads to the loss of a tooth. Methods that reduce consequences of replacement resorption include decoronation, namely a procedure that consists of cutting off a crown below the cementoenamel junction and leaving a root below the mucoperiosteal flap.

Aim

The aim of the paper was to present contemporary views on decoronation.

Material and methods

A review of the literature was performed from the beginning of 1984 to April 2020, using the PubMed database and the following keywords: decoronation, replacement resorption, tooth avulsion, intrusion, orthodontic treatment. Inclusion criteria included original clinical trials, review papers, systematic reviews and case reports. Exclusion criteria included publications available as abstracts, reports from conferences of dental societies and articles published in a language other than English.

Results

Based on the literature review, decoronation was found to be a method that can be used in a large number of patients with post-traumatic replacement resorption. The time point to perform this procedure should be determined on an individual basis and preceded by precise diagnostic tests. Decoronation has a positive effect on the alveolar process morphology. Further management depends on the patient’s stage of development, among others.

Conclusions

Decoronation has an advantage over other procedures because it is possible to maintain further process growth in growing patients. On the other hand, in mature patients, it is a preparation stage for dental implant treatment, and it is a more straightforward procedure compared to augmentation procedures. Due to the relatively small number of publications and the presence of some unresolved issues, further studies are necessary.