Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
09:10
Digital Hybrid Model Preparation for Virtual Planning of Reconstructive Dentoalveolar Surgical Procedures
Published on: August 5, 2021
3-Dimensional imaging for lower third molars: is there an implication for surgical removal?
Gerold Eyrich1, Burkhardt Seifert, Felix Matthews
1Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Summary
This study identified key predictors of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) damage during impacted wisdom tooth removal. Three-dimensional imaging aids in assessing IAN impairment risk, potentially reducing complications.
Area of Science:
- Oral Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Impacted third molar extraction is a common oral surgery procedure.
- Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) damage is a known complication, with reported incidence rates from 1% to 22%.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors predicting a higher risk of IAN impairment after impacted lower third molar surgery.
- To evaluate the utility of 3D imaging in predicting postoperative IAN disturbance.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 515 surgical third molar removals using pre-operative 3D imaging.
- Evaluation of 3D imaging signs as predictors for IAN impairment.
- Univariate and multivariate analyses to determine the influence of predictors (Odds Ratio and 95% Confidence Interval).
Main Results:
- Overall IAN impairment rate was 9.4%.
- Significant predictors identified include IAN canal narrowing, direct root contact, fully formed roots, and lingual IAN course.
- Multivariate analysis confirmed narrowing of the IAN canal (adjusted OR, 3.69) and direct contact (adjusted OR, 3.10) as the strongest independent predictors.
Conclusions:
- Three-dimensional imaging is valuable for predicting IAN impairment risk before lower third molar surgery.
- The study suggests that 3D imaging availability contributes to a decreased risk of IAN impairment compared to pre-3D imaging eras.
