title: Lingual access for third molar surgery: a 20-year retrospective audit.
abstract: We describe a technique for obtaining lingual access for the insertion of a wide metal retractor to protect the lingual nerve from accidental damage during third molar surgery. We also report an audit of a single practice over a 20-year period using the technique described. The approach involves raising soft tissues on the lingual side of the lower third molar tooth to allow insertion of a broad Hovell's lingual retractor. We conclude that raising lingual tissues to form a wide tension-free flap and inserting a specifically designed retractor does not increase the incidence of lingual nerve morbidity. Indeed, the overall incidence of lingual nerve damage was particularly low compared with those in other published series.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Moss
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Wake
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D002610:Cheek; D019230:Dental Audit; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D061222:Lingual Nerve Injuries; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014059:Tongue; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*