2022•European Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryRequires access
A distressing numbness of the tongue: lingual nerve damage following surgical removal of lower wisdom tooth
Sakuntha Ratnapreya, Irosha R. PERERA, Nadeena Jayasuriya, Sandeep JAYASEKARA, Lakshitha S. WEERAWANSA, Loshan Senarathna, Parakrama Wijekoon, Kanchana Kapugama, Manjula Attygalla
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Lower wisdom tooth removal is a routine oral surgical procedure. Lingual nerve injury is a highly distressful possible complication of this procedure.METHODS: Overall, 834 patients underwent removal of the impacted lower third molar at a single institution by experienced dental surgeons. Fourteen patients reported the complication of numbness of the tongue. These patients were closely followed up over a two-year period.RESULTS: Majority of patients with numbness of tongue were female. Nine of the 14 patients required removal of wisdom tooth due to gross decay and recurrent pain. Distoangular impactions (42.9%) were the most commonly associated with the complication. Over the two year follow-up period nine patients reported complete recovery with the other five showing partial recovery of at least 70%.CONCLUSIONS: LNI is a complication that requires close and long term follow-up by an empathetic surgeon.