Neurosensory disorders after removal of retained lower third molars

Abstract

Introduction: Neurosensory disorders are linked to the removal of retained lower third molars; its misdiagnosis and poor treatment can lead to their long persistence. Objective: To characterize neurosensory disorders associated with the removal of retained lower third molars from the clinical and therapeutic point of view.Material and Method: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in 136 patients with specific inclusion criteria who underwent surgical removal of retained lower third molars in the Dental Faculty of the University of Havana, between 2016-2017. The patients were operated on and examined 3 and 10 days after surgery to identify the presence of neurosensory disorders. Three types of diagnostic tests were used to define the level of neurological function. VAS Scale was used to evaluate the sensitivity level in the patient, and the standardized interview was made to categorize the type of neurosensory disorders. Variables such as age, sex, kind of retention, modification of surgical techniques, and neurosensory findings were recorded.Results: 3,5% of patients had neurosensory disorders, 2,1% were female. Class III, position C, mesioangular was the most linked retention (2,1%). The inferior dental nerve was the most involved (2,1%), and paresthesia was the most frequent finding (60%). The 60 % of disorders recovered their normal function after 180 days.Conclusions: The appearance of neurosensory disorders linked to the removal of lower third molars presented a low frequency in the population studied, predominating in the inferior dental nerve, in class III retentions, Position B, mesioangular position; and they are more linked to the surgical techniques of ostectomies and odontosections. Dysesthesia is the most refractory to treatment.Keywords: retained lower third molars, surgical treatment, neurosensory disorders, paresthesia, inferior dental nerve, lingual nerve, oral surgery.