Year : 2019

Volume : Volume 10

Issue : Issue 4

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Tanya Khaitan.
tanyakhaitan@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) passes through the mandibular canal, a significant structure seen in an Orthopantomogram. IAN damage is one of the frequent complications associated with surgical removal of mandibular third molar. The present study was undertaken to assess the relationship between the apices of mandibular third molar and inferior alveolar canal radiographically and clinically in mandibular impacted teeth. Materials and method- Preoperative orthopantomograph and intraoral periapical radiographs were taken for 150 patients. These findings were correlated with findings in surgery, i.e., seven radiographic indicators of a close relationship between the mandibular third molar and inferior alveolar canal and assessment of postoperative IAN damage. Results- 105(70%) were bony impactions and 45(30%) soft tissue impactions. IAN damage was seen in 4 of 94 patients with mesioangular impaction, 3 of 14 patients with distoangular impaction, 2 of 23 patients with vertical impaction and none with horizontal impaction. Nerve injury with deflection of root showed a statistically significant value. Conclusion- 6% damage to the IAN after the removal of mandibular third molar was observed. 5 out of 7 radiographic signs of mandibular canal association with third molar were found. More incidence of damage to the IAN was observed during deflection of root.

Keywords: Inferior Alveolar Nerve; Orthopantomogram; Paraesthesia; Third molar.