title: Nerve damage and third molar removal.
abstract: The surgical removal of lower third molars endangers both the lingual and inferior alveolar nerves. Patients sustaining an injury to either of these nerves must be managed correctly, and this requires a diagnosis of the injury type and regular monitoring of the recovery of sensation. Surgical intervention for a damaged inferior alveolar nerve is not usually indicated but may be undertaken: if the nerve is completely divided and the severed ends are misaligned; if a bony fragment has compressed the mandibular canal; or if the patient suffers from persistent neuropathic pain. In contrast, after injury to the lingual nerve, if sensory testing demonstrates no neural recovery within 3-4 months, exploration of the injury site and microsurgical repair of the damaged nerve is indicated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Clinical Dentistry, Claremont Crescent, Sheffield SI0 2TA.
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Loescher
authors.forename: K G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: P P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Robinson
mesh_terms: D020209:Cranial Nerve Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003663:Decision Trees; D006801:Humans; D061222:Lingual Nerve Injuries; D008334:Mandible; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D061221:Trigeminal Nerve Injuries