Abstract
Inferior alveolar nerve injury is one of the most serious complications of mandibular molar surgery and may lead to litigation for mal-practice. Entrapment of the inferior alveolar nerve to roots of an impacted mandibular molars is extremely rare. The aim of this case report is to stress the importance of tooth multi-sectioning with the use of magnification for the safe removal of a deeply impacted second molar with entrapment of the inferior alveolar nerve in its proximal root.
Highlights
Injuries to the inferior alveolar nerve can occur during major maxillofacial operations or dentoalveolar surgery
Suspect radiographic signs of the Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) proximity to the roots of an impacted mandibular third molar have been described in the past, and they are well known by oral and maxillofacial surgeons
Diversion of the inferior alveolar canal, interruption of the mandibular canal and darkening of the root of the impacted molar are the most striking radiological signs associated with possibility of IAN damage[7,8]
Summary
Injuries to the inferior alveolar nerve can occur during major maxillofacial operations or dentoalveolar surgery. Diversion of the inferior alveolar canal, interruption of the mandibular canal and darkening of the root of the impacted molar are the most striking radiological signs associated with possibility of IAN damage[7,8]. In these cases, a further radiological examination with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) may be recommended to justify the relation of the roots of the impacted tooth to the IAN in 3-dimensional view[9]. Even though CBCT is not more accurate in predicting exposure of the IAN during third molar surgery, it still helps to elucidate the precise buccolingual relation of the IAN to the roots of the impacted teeth[10]
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