Aims & Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the sensory impairment of lingual and inferior alveolar nerve following surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar.
Materials and Methods: The study included 276 patients with impacted mandibular third molars all of which were surgically removed under local anesthesia, and all the patients were followed up at intervals of 1st day, 3rd day, 1 week, 2nd week upto 24 weeks.
Results: None of the patient had statically significant paresthesia of lingual or inferior alveolar nerve. Only one patient (0.7%) showed temporary paresthesia of inferior alveolar nerve which resolved 3 days after surgery. Most common impaction was mesioangular (54.1%). Males were predominantly (64.49%) involved.
Conclusion: It is observed that if anatomic structures are kept in mind and surgery is done carefully in the region, nerve injury is a rare complication following surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar. It is also important to note that the skill of the surgeon plays a vital role in prevention of these complications.
