[Should the lingual nerve be protected during germectomy? A prospective study apropos of 300 procedures].
OBJECTIVE
Lingual nerve damage is one of the main complications of mandibular third molar removal. In literature, the series published are heterogeneous so we have decided to study the importance of the lingual protection only during germectomies (wisdom teeth without root formation).


METHODS
We conducted a randomized prospective study in 300 germectomies, operated by the same skilled surgeon. These 300 third molar removals have been divided in two groups, one with lingual nerve protection and one without.


RESULTS
Lingual nerve injuries following germectomies, with or without lingual protection was 0%.


CONCLUSIONS
In germectomies, one can avoid lingual protection.
Thiery
G
G
Service de Stomatologie-Chirurgie Maxillo-Faciale, Pr J.L. Blanc, CHU Timone, 13385 Marseille.
Chossegros
C
C
Paris
J
J
Guyot
L
L
Cheynet
F
F
Blanc
J L
JL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D008036:Lingual Nerve / Q000473:pathology*; D061222:Lingual Nerve Injuries; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D014083:Tooth Germ / Q000601:surgery*; D014110:Touch / Q000502:physiology