“The lower jaw wisdom tooth that is difficult to pull out, recovers within 3 months even if nerve damage occurs”

In the case of the mandibular wisdom tooth in the lower jaw, there is a possibility of nerve damage after extraction because the nerve is close to it, so many dental clinics avoid extraction of the mandibular wisdom tooth. In particular, the lower alveolar nerve is damaged more or less frequently after the extraction of the mandibular wisdom tooth. Such damage can be temporary or permanent, placing a great burden on patients and medical staff in need of extraction. However, as a result of a recent analysis by a Korean research team, it was found that most of the damage to the lower alveolar nerve that occurred during mandibular wisdom tooth extraction was only temporary and recovered within 3 months.

The research team of Professor Seong-woon Onn (first author) of Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Professor Byung-eun Yang (corresponding author) of Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, and Professor Byun Byun-hwan of Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, and their research team, ‘Nerve damage from exposure to lower alveolar nerve observed during surgical extraction of mandibular wisdom teeth’ was found through the ‘clinical significance of The results of this study were published in the October issue of ‘Journal of Clinical Medicine (IF 4.2)’, a SCIE-level international journal.

The research team analyzed 288 cases of mandibular wisdom tooth extraction from January 2019 to April 2021 at Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital. All of these were impacted wisdom teeth that did not grow at a normal angle or were hidden or tilted, so surgical extraction was required. Of these, in 69 cases, the inferior alveolar nerve was observed in the space inside the tooth exposed after tooth extraction, and in 219 cases, the inferior alveolar nerve was not observed. The observation of the inferior alveolar nerve after tooth extraction was that the inferior alveolar nerve was completely attached to the wisdom tooth, and there is a possibility that the nerve may be damaged even with a small movement of the tooth during extraction.

As a result of the analysis, nerve damage occurred in 4.3% (3 cases) out of 69 cases where the inferior alveolar nerve was observed during surgery, and no nerve damage occurred in 219 cases that were not exposed. In addition to exposure to the inferior alveolar nerve, the additionally identified risk factor for nerve damage was the age of the patient. However, all patients who showed nerve damage recovered within 3 months after surgery and returned to normal sensation, and no permanent damage occurred.

Professor Seong-Woon On said, “This study showed that, even if the lower alveolar nerve is exposed when the mandibular wisdom tooth is surgically extracted and the nerve is damaged, it is highly likely that it is a temporary injury. Because it can be expected, if the lower alveolar nerve is exposed, it is necessary to explain the clinical significance and prognosis to the patients for reassurance.”

Professor On also said, “If the basic surgical principles are followed, there is little chance of nerve damage if the lower alveolar nerve and mandibular wisdom teeth are not attached. It will serve as a basis for doing so.” By Jang Jong-ho, reporter bellho@sportschosun.com