Inferior alveolar nerve injury after mandibularthird molar extraction

Abstract

Due to anatomical location, it is possible to traumatize inferior alveolar nerve. Inferior Alveolar Nerve (IAN) injury is a serious neurological complication which can result from a number of reasons, the most common of which is by performing oral surgery procedures. These nerves can be damaged as the result of direct or indirect forces. Despite these complications, the removal of third molars associated with disease is generally justified. Extraction of impacted or erupted mandibular third molars is one of the most frequently performed dentoalveolar surgical procedures. There are well-established indications for removal of impacted mandibular third molars, and the controversies about prophylactic removal of asymptomatic mandibular third molars are based on evaluating the costs and risks of removal against the consequences of non-removal. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to identify the incidence of IAN damage following the removal of mandibular third molar teeth and to construct a predictive model to assess the risk of IAN injury. Conclusion. Our study showed that Patient’s age, radiologic relationship between the roots of the third molar and the mandibular canal, ostectomy of the bone distal to the third molar and deflection of the mandibular canal increase the risk of IAN damage. Despite technologic advances, informed consent regarding the incidence of nerve injury is very important. In spite of these drawbacks it seems clear that the skill of the operator is of great importance. Skill, coupled with anatomical, dental and patient factors will ultimately determine the potential for IAN nerve injury. Keywords: inferior alveolar nerve, impacted mandibular third molar, nerve injury.