Year : 2022

Volume : Volume 13

Issue : Issue 4

Address for correspondence :
Neha Jain
nehamds26@yahoo.in

Abstract

Background: This study aims to find out prognostic factors governing the recovery from inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injuries after the third molar removal. Materials and Methods: The prospective study was conducted on 100 patients who underwent extraction of mandibular third molar (MTM) where the root apices were in close approximation to IAN canal. The patients were evaluated postoperatively for any IAN deficit. Results: About 13% nerve injuries (temporary being 12% and 1% permanent) were observed. About 100% recovery was seen within one month in patient of the 2nd decade, 66.6% of patients recovered within 1 month of the 3rd decade, 66.7% of patients recovered within 3 months belonging to the 4th decade, and 100% recovery was seen in patient of the 5th decade after 6 months. About 85.3% of females had IAN deficit recovered within 3 months whereas 50% of males recovered within 1 month period but results were insignificant. Recovery was significantly delayed when hemorrhage (HAE) from IAN canal was seen along with nerve exposure (NE). Conclusion: Mostly nerve injuries were temporary recovering within 6 months. Prognosis of nerve injury was better in younger and when no HAE from socket or NE was noticed. Recovery from nerve injury was equivocal for male and females.

Keywords: Inferior alveolar nerve damage, Mandibular third molar extraction, Neurosensory deficit, Neurosensory disturbance, Recovery from nerve injury.