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Sensory nerve impairment following mandibular third molar surgery
1Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Faculty of Dentistry, Irbid-Jordan. amwar@just.edu.jo
Summary
Lingual flap elevation increases lingual nerve damage risk after third molar surgery. Operator experience significantly impacts inferior alveolar nerve paresthesia rates in these procedures.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Neurology
- Dental Anesthesia
Background:
- Sensory nerve impairment is a known complication of impacted mandibular third molar extraction.
- Understanding the specific risk factors is crucial for patient safety and surgical technique refinement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of sensory nerve impairment affecting the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves.
- To identify factors influencing these nerve injuries during impacted mandibular third molar removal under local anesthesia.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 741 patients undergoing mandibular third molar extraction under local anesthesia.
- Data collected included patient demographics, surgical details (tooth angulation, lingual flap use, tooth division), operator experience, and incidence of nerve paresthesia.
Main Results:
- Lingual nerve paresthesia occurred in 2.6% of patients, significantly associated with lingual flap elevation (P <.001).
- Inferior alveolar nerve paresthesia occurred in 3.9% of patients, highest in those under 20 and significantly related to operator experience (P <.001).
Conclusions:
- Lingual flap elevation is a significant risk factor for lingual nerve paresthesia.
- Operator experience is a significant factor in inferior alveolar nerve paresthesia following mandibular third molar surgery.