Compressing inferior alveolar nerve impacted mandibular third molar: a comparison of three techniques

Abstract Purpose Injury to the inferior alveolar nerve while conducting extraction of impacted mandibular third molar is highly related to the relative position of the inferior alveolar nerve and the root of third molar. The aim of this study was to compare the incidences of inferior alveolar nerve injury in orthodontic traction, coronectomy and piezosurgery for the removal of impacted mandibular third molar. Methods After examining the panoramic radiography and cone‐beam computed tomography, 66 patients with impacted mandibular third molar compressing the inferior alveolar nerve were enrolled in this study. Orthodontic traction, coronectomy and piezosurgery were carried out in 20 patients, respectively. Signs of postoperative neurosensory impairment were recorded. Results Baseline characteristics were similar among the three groups (p > 0.05). No sign of neurosensory impairment was observed in patients performed by orthodontic traction or coronectomy. One patient who underwent piezosurgery had postoperative lower lip numbness. Conclusions No statistical differences in these three techniques were observed in this study. Orthodontic traction, coronectomy and piezosurgery can reduce the incidence of nerve injury during the removal of impacted mandibular third molar compressing the inferior alveolar nerve.