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Lingual access for third molar surgery: a 20-year retrospective audit.
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
The British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
|September 4, 1999
Summary
This study introduces a surgical technique using a wide Hovell's lingual retractor to protect the lingual nerve during third molar extraction. An audit showed this method resulted in a low incidence of lingual nerve damage.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Surgical Techniques
- Nerve Protection
Background:
- Third molar surgery carries a risk of lingual nerve damage.
- Protecting the lingual nerve is crucial for preventing sensory deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a technique for lingual access and retractor insertion to safeguard the lingual nerve.
- To audit the efficacy and safety of this technique over a 20-year period.
Main Methods:
- Raising lingual soft tissues to create access for a wide metal retractor (Hovell's lingual retractor).
- Insertion of the retractor to protect the lingual nerve during lower third molar surgery.
- Audit of surgical outcomes in a single practice over two decades.
Main Results:
- The described technique allows for effective lingual nerve protection.
- The incidence of lingual nerve morbidity was notably low in the audited cases.
- Comparison with published series indicates a particularly low rate of lingual nerve damage.
Conclusions:
- The technique of raising lingual tissues and using a wide retractor is safe and effective.
- This approach does not increase the risk of lingual nerve damage during third molar surgery.
- The method contributes to minimizing lingual nerve injury in surgical practice.