Nerve Injuries After Third Molar Removal

Injury to peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve, namely the lingual and inferior alveolar branches, is a known complication of third molar surgery. Surgeons should inform patients preoperatively of this risk as part of the informed consent process and closely monitor any patients postoperatively who present with hypoesthesia or dysesthesia. It is imperative that surgeons document the extent of injury and perform some basic neurosensory function testing in the postoperative period. Any patient who does not resolve spontaneously should be referred to a surgeon skilled in trigeminal nerve microsurgery for assessment and possible treatment. Trigeminal nerve microsurgery has been demonstrated to improve sensory function in these patients.