Frequency of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Injury During Third Molar Extraction.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of inferior alveolar nerve injury during third molar extraction and the associated factors.

Study design: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, Pakistan, from July to December 2021.

Methodology: A total of 163 patients with third molar surgery were included. Patients were followed up after one week, one month, and three months of duration. The frequency of inferior alveolar nerve injury was determined as well as its relationship with other surgical variables like age, gender, type of impaction, buccal flap retraction, bone cutting, tooth splitting, and duration of surgery via Chi-square test.

Results: The frequency of inferior alveolar nerve injury was found to be 1.2% (n = 02). None of the surgical variables had a statistically significant association with it (p >0.05).

Conclusion: The frequency of nerve injury of the inferior alveolar nerve during extraction of the third molar was 1.2%. Proper treatment planning, using advanced radiography, experienced surgeon, and proper technique can help in lowering nerve injury risk.

Key words: Inferior alveolar nerve injuries, Molar, Tooth extraction, Paraesthesia.