Mandibular Nerve and Lingual Nerve Injuries and Their Management Based on Aetiology, Time of Repair and Method of Intervention: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to scientifically review to determine the incidence, prevention protocols and recovery rate and reach a desirable protocol for the management of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury and lingual nerve (LN) injury using the comprehensive overview of literature during various maxillofacial surgical procedures. Materials and Methods: Literature was selected through a search of PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar electronic databases. Articles from January 2010 to March 2023 were searched. All language articles with a minimum of 6-month patient follow-up and injury analysis by a patient’s reporting, radiographic and neurosensory testing were selected. Results: In total, 52 literature sources were reviewed, and 21 of the most relevant articles that are suitable to the criteria were selected. The impact of lower third molar removal (especially impacted) on the LN injury and IAN injury was clearly seen. Conclusions: Based on the study, it was clear that most injuries were occurring during removal of mandibular third molar. Thus, cone-beam computed tomography-based pre-operative analysis is a must in such cases. The results were significantly better in the early treatment group compared to the late group. Direct nerve repair without tension gives the best surgical outcome than other methods. Autogenous nerve graft was superior amongst other grafts which were used. Further studies were required to open a new paradigm for nerve repairs.

Keywords

• inferior alveolar nerve injuries
• lingual nerve injuries
• mandibular nerve
• microneurosurgery
• nerve injury management