Risk factors associated with nerve injury following third molar surgery at an Australian university dental school: a 4-year retrospective study

Abstract Purpose: Nerve injury during the removal of third molars in oral surgery is a rare complication; however, it could lead to severe and long-term complications. For this study, data regarding third molar extractions were collected to identify predictive risk factors for inferior alveolar nerve and lingual nerve injuries. Methods: Clinical and radiographic data from Griffith University electronic records were obtained from January 2015 to December 2018. Out of 2826 extractions realised during that period, only fifteen nerve injuries were identified. Results: The incidence of nerve injury encountered was 0.35% for the inferior alveolar nerve and 0.18% related to the lingual nerve, both lower than incidences shown in previous studies. Moreover, no permanent nerve injuries were identified. The mean resolution time for the injuries was eight weeks. This study also identified several risk factors associated with inferior alveolar and lingual nerve injuries, such as the gender and age of the patients, the type of impaction and angulation of the tooth, the type of surgical technique and incision performed, and the proximity to the inferior alveolar canal. Conclusion: Overall, inferior alveolar nerve and lingual nerve injury incidences at Griffith University dental school were lower than the current literature, and no permanent nerve injury was encountered.