A Patient-Specific 3D Printed Lingual Nerve Protector in Third Molar Extraction

We present a novel, patient-specific 3D-printed lingual nerve protector designed to minimize the risk of nerve injury during mandibular third molar extraction, a common cause of lingual nerve damage. Lingual nerve injuries, often resulting from trauma, dental procedures, or maxillofacial surgeries, lead to significant functional impairments. Using computed tomography (CT) data, the custom protector is fabricated through 3D printing with a self-retaining structure to shield the lingual mucosa and nerve. The device effectively separates the lingual nerve from the surgical field without requiring retraction of the lingual flap, thereby reducing the risk of nerve injury and enhancing the safety and ease of the procedure.