Background: Neurosensory deficits are one of the major complications after impacted lower third molar extraction leading to an impaired patient's quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of neurosensory deficits after lower third molar extraction and compare it radiologically to the corresponding position of the inferior alveolar nerve.
Methods: In a retrospective study, all patients who underwent impacted lower third molar extraction between January and December 2019 were compiled. Therefore, clinical data as well as preoperative radiological imaging were assessed.
Results: In total, 418 patients who underwent lower third molar extractions (n = 555) were included in this study. Of these, 33 (5.9%) had short-term (i.e., within the initial 7 postoperative days) and 12 (1.3%) long-term (i.e., persisting after 12 months) neurosensory deficits documented. The inferior alveolar nerve position in relation to the tooth roots showed apical position in 27%, buccal position in 30.8%, lingual position in 35.4%, and interradicular position in 6.9%.
Conclusions: A statistically significant increased incidence of neurosensory deficits occurs when the inferior alveolar nerve is directly positioned lingually to the tooth roots (p = 0.01).
Keywords: inferior alveolar nerve; lingual nerve; mandibular nerve; neurosensory deficit; neurosensory disturbance; oral surgery; third molar extraction; wisdom tooth removal.