Influence of the tooth section technique in alveolar nerve damage after surgery of impacted lower third molars

This study is a randomized control split-mouth non-blinded prospective trial, the aim of which was to evaluate clinically the frequency and type of injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) following mandibular third molar surgery using or not using the tooth section technique. The sample consisted of 50 lower third molars in 25 patients, in the control group the tooth section technique was not used, and it was used in the experimental group. The outcomes have shown a frequency of 8% of IAN injury for both groups (in both genders), and there were no statistically significant associations between the use of the tooth section technique and a diminished incidence of IAN injury or the presence of radiographic signs of a direct relationship between the tooth/nerve/mandibular canal and IAN injury. There was no association between deformities of the tip of dental needles and nerve injury. Temporary hypoesthesia and paresthesia were the commonest nerve injuries. All patients recovered from these injuries within six months.