Lingual nerve deficit following mandibular third molar removal: Review of the literature and medicolegal considerations

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology

Volumn 113, Issue 3, 2012, Pages

  Boffano, Paolo ^a   Roccia, Fabio ^a   Gallesio, Cesare ^a  

^a UNIVERSITY OF TURIN   (Italy)

Author keywords

[No Author keywords available]

Indexed keywords

EID: 84862576889     PISSN: 22124403     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1016/j.tripleo.2011.06.034     Document Type: Review

References (105)

1. Baqain ZH, Abukaraky A, Hassoneh Y, Sawair F. Lingual nerve morbidity and mandibular third molar surgery: a prospective study. Med Princ Pract 2010;19:28-32.
2. Bataineh AB. Sensory nerve impairment following mandibular third molar surgery. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2001;59:1012-7. (Pubitemid 32804043)
3. Bui CH, Seldin EB, Dodson TB. Types, frequencies, and risk factors for complications after third molar extraction. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2003;61:1379-89. (Pubitemid 37464508)
4. Gargallo-Albiol J, Buenechea-Imaz R, Gay-Escoda C. Lingual nerve protection during surgical removal of lower third molars. A prospective randomised study. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2000;29:268-71.
5. Bagheri SC, Meyer RA, Khan HA, Kuhmichel A, Steed MB. Retrospective review of microsurgical repair of 222 lingual nerve injuries. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2010;68:715-23.
6. Appiah-Anane S, Appiah-Anane MG. Protection of the lingual nerve during operations on the mandibular third molar: a simple method. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1997;35:170-2. (Pubitemid 27285647)
7. Pogrel MA, Goldman KE. Lingual flap retraction for third molar removal. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2004;62:1125-30. (Pubitemid 39165366)
8. Pogrel MA, Le H. Etiology of lingual nerve injuries in the third molar region: a cadaver and histologic study. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2006;64:1790-4. (Pubitemid 44739150)
9. Valmaseda-Castellón E, Berini-Aytés L, Gay-Escoda C. Lingual nerve damage after third lower molar surgical extraction. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2000; 90:567-73.
10. Hillerup S, Stoltze K. Lingual nerve injury in third molar surgery I. Observations on recovery of sensation with spontaneous healing. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2007;36:884-9. (Pubitemid 47535110)
11. Fielding AF, Rachiele DP, Frazier G. Lingual nerve paresthesia following third molar surgery: a retrospective clinical study. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1997; 84:345-8. (Pubitemid 127670984)
12. Cheung LK, Leung YY, Chow LK, Wong MC, Chan EK, Fok YH. Incidence of neurosensory deficits and recovery after lower third molar surgery: a prospective clinical study of 4338 cases. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2010;39:320-6.
13. Biggs JE, Yates JM, Loescher AR, Clayton NM, Boissonade FM, Robinson PP. Changes in vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) expression following lingual nerve injury. Eur J Pain 2007;11:192-201. (Pubitemid 44820897)
14. Hupp JR. Legal implications of third molar removal. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am 2007;19:129-36, viii. (Pubitemid 46112362)
15. Shafer DM, Frank ME, Gent JF, Fischer ME. Gustatory function after third molar extraction. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999;87:419-28.
16. Hölzle FW, Wolff KD. Anatomic position of the lingual nerve in the mandibular third molar region with special consideration of an atrophied mandibular crest: an anatomical study. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2001;30:333-8. (Pubitemid 33114845)
17. Lydiatt DD. Litigation and the lingual nerve. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2003;61:197-200. (Pubitemid 36164296)
18. Chossegros C, Guyot L, Cheynet F, Belloni D, Blanc JL. Is lingual nerve protection necessary for lower third molar germectomy? A prospective study of 300 procedures. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2002;31:620-4.
19. Robert RC, Bacchetti P, Pogrel MA. Frequency of trigeminal nerve injuries following third molar removal. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2005;63:732-5. (Pubitemid 40745282)
20. Rud J. The split-bone technique for removal of impacted mandibular third molars. J Oral Surg 1970;28:416.
21. Van Gool AV, Ten Bosch JJ, Boering G. Clinical consequences of complaints and complications after removal of the mandibular third molar. Int J Oral Surg 1977;6:29.
22. Bruce RA, Frederickson GC, Small GS. Age of patients and morbidity associated with mandibular third molar surgery. J Am Dent Assoc 1980;101:240.
23. Hochwald DA, Davis WH, Martinoff J. Modified disto-lingual splitting technique for the removal of impacted mandibular third molars. Incid Pathologe 1983;56:9.
24. Rood JP. Lingual split technique. Damage to inferior alveolar and lingual nerves during removal of impacted mandibular third molars. Br Dent J 1983;154:402.
25. Rud J. Reevaluation of the lingual split-bone technique for removal of impacted mandibular third molars. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1984;42:114.
26. Goldberg MH, Nemarich AN, Marco WP. Complications after mandibular third molar surgery: a statistical analysis of 500 consecutive procedures in private practice. J Am Dent Assoc 1985;111:277.
27. Osborn TP, Frederickson G Jr, Small IA, Torgerson TS. A prospective study of complications related to mandibular third molar surgery. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1985;43:767-9. (Pubitemid 16192116)
28. Sisk AL, Hammer WB, Shelton DW, Joy ED. Complications following removal of impacted third molars: the role of the experience of the surgeon. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1986;44:855.
29. Wofford DT, Miller RI. Prospective study of dysesthesia following odontectomy of impacted mandibular third molars. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1987;45:15-9. (Pubitemid 17000948)
30. Mason DA. Lingual nerve damage following lower third molar surgery. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1988;17:290.
31. Middlehurst RJ, Barker GR, Rood JP. Postoperative morbidity with mandibular third molar surgery: a comparison of two techniques. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1988;46:474.
32. Blackburn CW, Bramley PA. Lingual nerve damage associated with the removal of lower third molars. Br Dent J 1989;167:103.
33. Von Arx DP, Simpson, MT. The effect of dexamethasone on neuropraxia following third molar surgery. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1989;27:477.
34. Herpy AK, Goupil MT. A monitoring and evaluation study of third molar surgery complications at a major medical center. Mil Med 1991;156:10-2.
35. Carmichael FA, McGowan DA. Incidence of nerve damage following third molar removal: a West of Scotland Oral Surgery Research Group study. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1992;30:78.
36. Rood JP. Permanent damage to inferior alveolar and lingual nerves during the removal of impacted mandibular third molars. Comparison of two methods of bone removal. Br Dent J 1992;172:108.
37. Absi EG, Shepherd JP. A comparison of morbidity following the removal of lower third molars by the lingual split and surgical bur methods. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1993;22:149.
38. Chiapasco M, De Cicco L, Marrone G. Side effects and complications associated with third molar surgery. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1993;76:412.
39. Handelman SL, Black PM, Desjardins P, Gatlin L, Simmons L. Removal of impacted third molars by oral/maxillofacial surgery and general dentistry residents. Spec Care Dentist 1993; 13:122-6.
40. Schultze-Mosgau S, Reich RH. Assessment of inferior alveolar and lingual nerve disturbances after dentoalveolar surgery, and of recovery of sensitivity. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1993; 22:214.
41. Blondeau F. [Paresthesia: incidence following the extraction of 455 mandibular impacted third molars]. J Can Dent Assoc 1994;60:991-4.
42. Greenwood M, Langton SG, Rood JP. A comparison of broad and narrow retractors for lingual nerve protection during lower third molar surgery. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1994;32:114.
43. Chiapasco M, Crescentini M, Romanoni G. Germectomy or delayed removal of mandibular impacted third molars: the relationship between age and incidence of complications. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1995;53:418-22.
44. de Boer MP, Raghoebar GM, Stegenga B, Schoen PJ, Boering G. Complications after mandibular third molar extraction. Quintessence Int 1995;26:779-84.
45. Lopes V, Mumenya R, Feinmann C, Harris M. Third molar surgery: an audit of the indications for surgery, post-operative complaints and patient satisfaction. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1995;33:33-5.
46. Walters H. Reducing lingual nerve damage in third molar surgery: A clinical audit of 1350 cases. Br Dent J 1995;178:140.
47. Chiapasco M, Pedrinazzi M, Motta J, Crescentini M, Ramundo G. [Surgery of lower third molars and lesions of the lingual nerve]. Minerva Stomatol 1996;45:517-22.
48. Robinson PP, Smith KG. Lingual nerve damage during lower third molar removal: a comparison of two surgical methods. Br Dent J 1996;180:456.
49. Black CG. Sensory impairment following lower third molar surgery: A prospective study in New Zealand. N Z Dent J 1997;93:68.
50. Brann CR, Brickley MR, Shepherd JP. Factors influencing nerve damage during lower third molar surgery. Br Dent J 1999;186:514-6.
51. Robinson PP, Loescher AR, Smith KG. The effect of surgical technique on lingual nerve damage during lower 3rd molar removal by dental students. Eur J Dent Educ 1999;3:52-5.
52. Gülicher D, Gerlach KL. Sensory impairment of the lingual and inferior alveolar nerves following removal of impacted mandibular third molars. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2001; 30:306-12. (Pubitemid 33114840)
53. Renton T, McGurk M. Evaluation of factors predictive of lingual nerve injury in third molar surgery. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2001;39:423-8. (Pubitemid 34030834)
54. Benediktsdóttir IS, Wenzel A, Petersen JK, Hintze H. Mandibular third molar removal: risk indicators for extended operation time, postoperative pain, and complications. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2004;97:438-46. (Pubitemid 38496295)
55. Jerjes W, Swinson B, Moles DR, El-Maaytah M, Banu B, Upile T, et al. Permanent sensory nerve impairment following third molar surgery: a prospective study. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2006;102:e1-7. Epub; 2006, August 4. (Pubitemid 44403151)
56. Costantinides F, Biasotto M, Gregori D, Maglione M, Di Lenarda R. "Abscess" as a perioperative risk factor for paresthesia after third molar extraction under general anesthesia. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009;107:e8-e13.
57. Jerjes W, Upile T, Shah P, Nhembe F, Gudka D, Kafas P, et al. Risk factors associated with injury to the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves following third molar surgery-revisited. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2010;109(3):335-45.
58. Janakiraman EN, Alexander M, Sanjay P. Prospective analysis of frequency and contributing factors of nerve injuries following third-molar surgery. J Craniofac Surg 2010;21:784-6.
59. Zur KB, Mu L, Sanders I. Distribution pattern of the human lingual nerve. Clin Anat 2004;17:88-92. (Pubitemid 38332628)
60. Piagkou M, Demesticha T, Skandalakis P, Johnson EO. Functional anatomy of the mandibular nerve: consequences of nerve injury and entrapment. Clin Anat 2011;24:143-50.
61. Johnson DR, Moore WJ. Anatomy for dental students. London: Oxford University Press; 1997. p. 175-6, 188-9.
62. Rusu MC, Nimigean V, Podoleanu L, Ivaşcu RV, Niculescu MC. Details of the intralingual topography and morphology of the lingual nerve. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2008;37:835-9.
63. Kim SY, Hu KS, Chung IH, Lee EW, Kim HJ. Topographic anatomy of the lingual nerve and variations in communication pattern of the mandibular nerve branches. Surg Radiol Anat 2004;26:128-35. (Pubitemid 38477294)
64. Trost O, Kazemi A, Cheynel N, Benkhadra M, Soichot P, Malka G, et al. Spatial relationships between lingual nerve and mandibular ramus: original study method, clinical and educational applications. Surg Radiol Anat 2009;31:447-52.
65. Kiesselbach JE, Chamberlain JG. Clinical and anatomic observations on the relationship of the lingual nerve to the mandibular third molar region. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1984;42:565-7. (Pubitemid 14067952)
66. Pogrel MA, Renaut A, Schmidt B, Ammar A. The relationship of the lingual nerve to the mandibular third molar region: an anatomic study. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1995;53:1178-81.
67. Miloro M, Halkias LE, Slone HW, Chakeres DW. Assessment of the lingual nerve in the third molar region using magnetic resonance imaging. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1997;55:134-7. (Pubitemid 27061652)
68. Behnia H, Kheradvar A, Shahrokhi M. An anatomic study of the lingual nerve in the third molar region. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2000;58:649-51. (Pubitemid 30349609)
69. Morris CD, Rasmussen J, Throckmorton GS, Finn R. The anatomic basis of lingual nerve trauma associated with inferior alveolar block injections. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2010; 68:2833-6.
70. Burnett MG, Zager EL. Pathophysiology of peripheral nerve injury: a brief review. Neurosurg Focus 2004;16:E1.
71. Yegiyants S, Dayicioglu D, Kardashian G, Panthaki ZJ. Traumatic peripheral nerve injury: a wartime review. J Craniofac Surg 2010;21:998-1001.
72. Gomes AC, Vasconcelos BC, de Oliveira e Silva ED, da Silva LC. Lingual nerve damage after mandibular third molar surgery: a randomized clinical trial. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2005;63:1443-6. (Pubitemid 41355006)
73. Leung YY, Cheung LK. Risk factors of neurosensory deficits in lower third molar surgery: an literature review of prospective studies. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2011;40:1-10.
74. Goldberg MH, Galbraith DA. Late onset of mandibular and lingual dysesthesia secondary to postextraction infection. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1984;58:269.
75. Hillerup S, Jensen R. Nerve injury caused by mandibular block analgesia. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2006;35:437-43.
76. Queral-Godoy E, Figueiredo R, Valmaseda-Castellón E, Berini-Aytés L, Gay-Escoda C. Frequency and evolution of lingual nerve lesions following lower third molar extraction. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2006;64:402-7. (Pubitemid 43257924)
77. Gerlach KL, Hoffmeister B, Walz C, Dysästhesien-des N. [Dyesthesia and anesthesia of the mandibular nerve following dental treatment.] Dtsch Zahnarztl Z 1989;44:970-2.
78. Ehrenfeld M, Cornelius CP, Altenmüller E, Riediger D, Sahl W. [Nerve injuries following nerve blocking in the pterygomandibular space.] Dtsch Zahnärztl Z 1992;47:36-9.
79. Renton T, Adey-Viscuso D, Meechan JG, Yilmaz Z. Trigeminal nerve injuries in relation to the local anaesthesia in mandibular injections. Br Dent J 2010;209:E15.
80. Shepherd JP. Lingual nerve retraction increases the risk of temporary lingual nerve damage during mandibular third molar surgery. Evid Based Dent 2006;7:47.
81. Robinson PP, Loescher AR, Yates JM, Smith KG. Current management of damage to the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves as a result of removal of third molars. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2004;42:285-92. Review. (Pubitemid 38842809)
82. Kipp DP, Goldstein BH, Weiss WW Jr. Dysesthesia after mandibular third molar surgery: a retrospective study and analysis of 1, 377 surgical procedures. J Am Dent Assoc 1980; 100:185-92.
83. Berge TI, Gilhuus-Moe OT. Pre-and postoperative variables of mandibular third-molar surgery by four general practitioners and one oral surgeon. Acta Odontol Scand 1993;51:389-97.
84. Capuzzi P, Montebugnoli L, Vaccaro MA. Extraction of impacted third molars. A longitudinal prospective study on factors that affect postoperative recovery. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1994;77:341-3.
85. Pichler JW, Beirne OR. Lingual flap retraction and prevention of lingual nerve damage associated with third molar surgery: a systematic review of the literature. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2001;91:395-401. (Pubitemid 33601644)
86. Jones RH. Repair of the trigeminal nerve: a review. Aust Dent J 2010;55:112-9.
87. Renton T, Thexton A, McGurk M. New method for the objective evaluation of injury to the lingual nerve after operation on third molars. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2005;43:238-45. (Pubitemid 40614321)
88. Renton T, Thexton A, McGurk M. Objective evaluation of iatrogenic lingual nerve injuries using the jaw-opening reflex. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2005;43:232-7. (Pubitemid 40614320)
89. van der Glas HW, van der Rijt EE, van der Bilt A, Koole R, Vriens JP. Testing of iatrogenic lingual nerve injury using a novel psychophysical method and oral reflexes. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2007;36:545-9. (Pubitemid 46696691)
90. Girard KR. Considerations in the management of damage to the mandibular nerve. J Am Dent Assoc 1979;98:65-71.
91. Hillerup S, Stoltze K. Lingual nerve injury; II. Observations on sensory recovery after microneurosurgical reconstruction. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2007;36(12):1, 139-45.
92. Susarla SM, Kaban LB, Donoff RB, Dodson TB. Does early repair of lingual nerve injuries improve functional sensory recovery? J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2007;65:1070-6. (Pubitemid 46755977)
93. Woods DD, Labanc JP. Complications and morbidity associated with trigeminal nerve repair. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am 1992;4:473.
94. Labanc JP, Epker BN. Trigeminal nerve microreconstruction surgery using the greater auricular nerve transfer technique. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am 1992;4:459.
95. Pogrel MA, Maghen A. The use of autogenous vein grafts for inferior alveolar and lingual nerve reconstruction. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2001;59:985-8. (Pubitemid 32804035)
96. Smith KG, Robinson PP. An experimental study of three methods of lingual nerve defect repair. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1995;53:1052-62.
97. Farole A, Jamal BT. A bioabsorbable collagen nerve cuff (NeuraGen) for repair of lingual and inferior alveolar nerve injuries: a case series. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2008;66:2058-62.
98. Pogrel MA, McDonald AR, Kaban LB. Gore-Tex tubing as a conduit for repair of lingual and inferior alveolar nerve continuity defects: a preliminary report. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1998;56:319.
99. Gibson KL, Daniloff JK, Strain GM. Comparison of sciatic nerve regeneration through silicone tubes and nerve allografts. Microsurgery 1989;10:126-9. (Pubitemid 19181471)
100. MacKinnon SE, Dellon AL. Clinical nerve reconstruction with a bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid tube. Plast Reconstruct Surg 1990;85:419.
101. Eppley BL, Delfino JJ. Collagen tube repair of the mandibular nerve: a preliminary investigation in the rat. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1988;46:41-7. (Pubitemid 18065987)
102. Ferrús-Torres E, Valmaseda-Castellón E, Berini-Aytés L, Gay-Escoda C. Informed consent in oral surgery: the value of written information. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2011;69:54-8.
103. Lawton (the Right Hon Lord Justice Lawton). Legal aspects of iatrogenic disorders: discussion paper. J R Sot Med 1983; 76:289929.
104. National Institute of Dental Research. NIH Consensus Development Summary, vol 2, no. II. Bethesda: NIH; 1980.
105. Brauer HU. Unusual complications associated with third molar surgery: a systematic review. Quintessence Int 2009;40:565-72.