Two-stage extraction by partial grinding of impacted mandibular third molar in close proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve

Guang-Ming Luo; Zhang-Shun Yao; Wei-Xiang Huang; Lei-Yan Zou; Yan Yang

doi:10.12998/wjcc.v12.i10.1728

Two-stage extraction by partial grinding of impacted mandibular third molar in close proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve

World J Clin Cases. 2024 Apr 6;12(10):1728-1732. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i10.1728.

Authors

Guang-Ming Luo^{1

2}, Zhang-Shun Yao^{1

2}, Wei-Xiang Huang^{1

2}, Lei-Yan Zou^{1

2}, Yan Yang^{1

3}

Affiliations

¹ Kunbaida Outpatient Department, Kunming Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming 650106, Yunnan Province, China.
² Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Kunming 650106, Yunnan Province, China.
³ Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Kunming 650106, Yunnan Province, China. 247822829@qq.com.

Abstract

Background: Extraction of impacted third molars often leads to severe complications caused by damage to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN).

Aim: To proposes a method for the partial grinding of an impacted mandibular third molar (IMM3) near the IAN to prevent IAN injury during IMM3 extraction.

Methods: Between January 1996 and March 2022, 25 patients with IMM3 roots near the IAN were enrolled. The first stage of the operation consisted of grinding a major part of the IMM3 crown with a high-speed turbine dental drill to achieve sufficient space between the mandibular second molar and IMM3. After 6 months, when the root tips were observed to be away from the IAN on X-ray examination, the remaining part of the IMM3 was completely removed.

Results: All IMM3s were extracted easily without symptoms of IAN injury after extraction.

Conclusion: Partial IMM3 grinding may be a good alternative treatment option to avoid IAN injury in high-risk cases.

Keywords: Cone-beam computed tomography; Impacted mandibular third molar; Inferior alveolar nerve; Partial grinding.