Neurosensory disturbances of the inferior alveolar nerve: a retrospective study of complaints in a 10-year period.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of neurosensory disturbances (NSDs) of the inferior alveolar nerve after dental procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study of patient complaints for transient and permanent NSDs was achieved by means of a 10-year follow-up of claims to a national practitioner insurance company. Claims for 3 different dental procedures were analyzed from 157,292 contracts of insurance recorded during this period.

RESULTS

Three hundred eighty-two complaints of NSDs were recorded with 75 permanent injuries (19.6%). The incidence of endodontic treatment and surgical procedures in NSDs cases were 35.3% and 61.5%, respectively, and the prevalence of third molar removals in permanent loss of sensation was 46.6%.

CONCLUSION

Impacted third molar removal appears to be the main etiology of permanent inferior alveolar nerve sensory deficiency, but endodontic treatments are often implicated and implant placement procedures can cause severe nerve injuries.