Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of lingual flap retraction in order to prevent lingual nerve injury during the removal of lower third molars.
Design: Prospective randomised trial involving two surgeons.
Intervention Intervention surgical removal of lower third molars with or without protection of the lingual nerve by sub-periosteal insertion of a retractor.
Outcome Outcome measures verbal and sensory testing 1 week after surgery.
Results: Only four cases of sensory disturbance (1.33%) were noted, all of which were transitory. No significant difference between the two groups (see table).
Conclusions: Routine use of lingual protection with a retractor is not necessary in the hands of an experienced surgeon.
Gargallo-Albiol J, Buenechea-Imaz R, Gay-Escoda C. Lingual nerve protection during surgical removal of lower third molar. A prospective randomised study. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2000; 29:268–271
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References
Robinson PP, Smith KG . Lingual nerve damage during lower third molar removal: a comparison of two surgical techniques. Br Dent J 1996; 180: 456–461.
Mason DA . Lingual nerve damage following lower third molar surgery. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1988; 17: 290–294.
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Address for reprints: J Gargallo-Albiol, Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Facultat d'Odontologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Campus de Bellvitge, Feixa Llarga sin 08907 l'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. E-mail: jgargalloa@jazzfree.com
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Smith, K. Lingual nerve protection during the removal of lower third molars not necessary. Evid Based Dent 2, 92 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6400077
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6400077
