Permanent sensory nerve impairment following third molar surgery: a prospective study

ObjectiveThis prospective study reports the proportion of permanent sensory impairment of the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves and the factors influencing such prevalence after the removal of mandibular third molars under local anesthesia.Study designThere were 1,087 patients with 1,087 mandibular third molars removed under local anesthesia from 1998 to 2003. Standardized data collection included the patient’s name, age, gender, radiographic position of extracted tooth, grade of surgeon, proximity of the inferior alveolar nerve, and the prevalence of lingual and/or inferior alveolar nerve paresthesia.ResultsInferior alveolar nerve injury was 4.1% 1 week after surgery and decreased to 0.7% after 2 years of follow-up, and alteration in tongue sensation occurred in 6.5% of patients 1 week after surgery and decreased to 1.0% after 2 years of follow-up.ConclusionThe experience of the operator was found to be a significant factor in determining both permanent lingual nerve (P=.022) and permanent inferior alveolar nerve paresthesia (P=.026).