Incidence of nerve damage following third molar removal: a West of Scotland Oral Surgery Research Group study

Abstract

A survey was carried out to record both initial and longterm effects on the lingual and inferior alveolar nerves following third molar removal. Eight hundred and twenty five patients were included from eight West of Scotland Oral Surgery Units, and had 1339 third molars removed. Changes in sensation were recorded by direct questioning at 6 to 24 h and 7 to 10 days, and by postal questionnaire at 12-18 months. The incidence of lingual nerve damage was found to be 15% of operated sides at 6 to 24 hours, 10.7% at 7 to 10 days, and 0.6% after 1 year. The incidence of inferior alveolar nerve damage was 5.5% of operated sides at 6 to 24 h, 3.9% at 7 to 10 days, and 0.9% after 1 year. These results are proposed as an indication of the likely incidence of nerve damage complicating third molar removal in the general circumstances of current United Kingdom practice and are presented as a basis for discussion of patient information and current prudent practice. Since one in four patients suffered at least temporary sensory deficit, we believe the case for effective warning of all patients undergoing impacted third molar removal is overwhelming.