Concomitant removal of mandibular third molars during sagittal split osteotomy minimizes neurosensory dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury is a significant complication following sagittal split osteotomy (SSO).
• Understanding factors influencing IAN neurosensory recovery is crucial for improving surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of mandibular third molar presence on IAN neurosensory recovery after SSO.
• To compare outcomes between patients with and without third molars during SSO.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study design.
• Patients undergoing SSO were divided into two groups: third molar present (Group I) or absent (Group II).
• Neurosensory recovery of the IAN was assessed using the Medical Research Council scale, functional sensory recovery, and subjective evaluation at pre-op, 3 months, and 6 months post-op.

Main Results:

• The presence of third molars (Group I) was associated with a statistically significant decrease in IAN neurosensory disturbance at 3 and 6 months postoperatively (P < .01).
• Functional sensory recovery was more frequent in Group I, particularly at 3 months (P = .01).
• Subjective reports of normal sensation were higher in Group I at both 3 and 6 months (P ≤ .05).

Conclusions:

• The presence of mandibular third molars during SSO surgery appears to minimize postoperative neurosensory disturbances of the IAN.
• This suggests a potentially protective role of third molars in preserving IAN function after SSO.