Lingual nerve damage after mandibular third molar surgery: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE The objective of this study was to clinically evaluate the frequency, type, and risk factors for lingual nerve damage after mandibular third molar surgery with reference to lingual flap retraction. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of fifty-five patients referred for bilateral mandibular third molar removal were included in this study. Each patient was randomly allotted to have the procedure performed on 1 side (experimental group) with lingual flap retraction. On the opposite side (control group), the same procedure was performed without lingual flap retraction. RESULTS Lingual nerve damage occurred in 9.1% in the experimental group in which lingual flap retraction was performed. In the control group, damage to the lingual nerve was not observed. The difference was statistically significant (P <.001) as measured by the Cochran test. CONCLUSION Lingual nerve retraction represented a risk factor to temporary lingual nerve damage during mandibular third molar surgery.