Lingual nerve deficit following mandibular third molar removal: review of the literature and medicolegal considerations.
The removal of mandibular third molars is probably the most frequently performed procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and it is the most common surgical procedure associated with lingual nerve deficit. Lingual sensory impairment remains a clinical problem in oral and maxillofacial surgery and has serious medical and legal implications. In fact, damage to the lingual nerve is a common cause of litigation in dentistry. The purpose of this article was to review the literature about lingual nerve deficit following mandibular third molar removal and discuss the associated medicolegal aspects.
Division of Maxillofacial Surgery, Head and Neck Department, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy. paolo.boffano@gmail.com
Paolo
P
Boffano
Fabio
F
Roccia
Cesare
C
Gallesio
D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D061222:Lingual Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008334:Mandible; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*