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Factors Influencing Lingual Nerve Paraesthesia Following Third Molar Surgery: A Prospective Clinical Study

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Abstract

Background and Objectives

The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the incidence and various risk factors influencing the sensory deficit in case of lingual nerve injury (LNI) in individuals whose impacted mandibular third molars are surgically removed under local anesthesia.

Materials and Methods

The study was based on the data collected prospectively from a random group of 100 patients who underwent surgical removal of bony impacted lower third molar in a dental hospital. Details of the patient, reason for extraction, type of impaction, method of surgery and signs and symptoms of nerve injury are recorded. Neurosensory testing was done to evaluate the LNI at 1 week, 1 months, 3 months and 6 months interval. Comparison was carried out using Chi square test. For all tests a P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The incidence of LNI was 4 % and of temporary in nature which recovered well within 6 months postoperatively. The age of the patient above 26 years, lingual flap retraction, depth of impaction (red line ≥10 mm) and duration of surgery above 30 min were the significant factors for causing LNI.

Conclusions

The age of the patient, depth of impaction, lingual flap retraction and longer duration of surgery are significant risk factors for LNI during mandibular third molar surgery. Greater care should be taken to avoid the morbidity and patients should be informed well ahead about the probable complications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, Pacific Dental College & Hospital, Debari, Udaipur, 313024, Rajasthan, India

    H. S. Charan Babu

  2. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hitkarini Dental College & Hospital, Jabalpur, MP, India

    Praveen B. Reddy

  3. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Bapuji Dental College & Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India

    Rajesh Kumar B. Pattathan

  4. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India

    Rajendra Desai

  5. Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Pacific Dental College & Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

    A. B. Shubha

Authors
  1. H. S. Charan Babu
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  2. Praveen B. Reddy
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  3. Rajesh Kumar B. Pattathan
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  4. Rajendra Desai
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  5. A. B. Shubha
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Correspondence to H. S. Charan Babu.

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Charan Babu, H.S., Reddy, P.B., Pattathan, R.K.B. et al. Factors Influencing Lingual Nerve Paraesthesia Following Third Molar Surgery: A Prospective Clinical Study. J. Maxillofac. Oral Surg. 12, 168–172 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-012-0391-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-012-0391-5

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