Dissection and Detailed Anatomy of an Impacted Mandibular Third Molar

Neurosensory disturbances of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN), or the lingual nerve (LN), are commonly reported in cases of third mandibular molar impaction. Cases are usually documented by use of imagistic methods. Dissection proofs of the detailed anatomy in such cases are rare, if not absent. It is reported here a dissection study in a case of an impacted (buccoangular) third mandibular molar, in an adult male cadaver, 68 years old. Beyond the “classical” relations of the impacted tooth with the IAN and the LN, close relations were also found with the LN branches, submandibular ganglion, mylohyoid nerve (MN), and the anastomosis of the LN and the MN. These anatomical details should be also considered when such cases are documented in patients before surgical procedures. Effects of the submandibular ganglion damage should be further explored.