Lingual nerve injury due to wisdom tooth germ extraction repaired using a conduit for peripheral nerve regeneration: A preliminary case report

Abstract

IntroductionWhile lingual nerve injury is a well-recognized complication of impacted mandibular wisdom tooth extraction, there are no studies on lingual nerve injury occurring as a complication of wisdom tooth germ extraction in teenage or preteen (aged 10 years or older) patients. Lingual nerve injuries with nerve loss are conventionally treated using autologous nerve grafts, among others. While some recent studies have reported nerve repair using a nerve conduit for peripheral nerve regeneration, many details regarding the objective postoperative course and indications for pediatric cases remain unclear. The purpose of this report was to assess the clinical course after repair using a nerve conduit (Nerbridge®) for peripheral nerve regeneration in the case of preteen patient with lingual nerve injury caused by mandibular wisdom tooth germ extraction. Case reportThe patient was a 12-year-old boy who underwent right lingual nerve repair under general anesthesia. At approximately 4 months postoperatively, the patient’s hypesthesia improved. This improvement continues to the present day. ConclusionsBecause it is difficult to conduct medical interviews on the symptoms of lingual nerve injury when the patient is a child, making it impossible to accurately determine whether complications are present, it is important to undertake comprehensive diagnosis and obtain informed consent, including that of the child’s guardian. Literature review and our experience in treating the present case suggest that the early use of a nerve conduit for peripheral nerve regeneration can be effective in promoting nerve function recovery.