The relationship of the lingual nerve to the mandibular third molar region: An anatomic study

M. Anthony Pogrel, Andrew Renaut, Brian Schmidt, Awnie Ammar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated the relationship of the mandibular third molar to the lingual nerve. Materials and Methods: An anatomic dissection of the lingual nerve in the third molar region was done on 20 cadavers (40 sides). Results: The position of the nerve on one side bore no statistical relationship to the position of the nerve on the opposite side. The position of the lingual nerve was variable in both the sagittal and coronal planes. In two specimens the nerve lay superior to the lingual plate and in another the superior surface of the nerve was level with the crest of the lingual plate. Conclusion: These findings have implications for the avoidance of lingual nerve damage during surgery in the third molar and retromolar region of the mandible.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1178-1181
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Volume53
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1995

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Oral Surgery
  • Otorhinolaryngology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The relationship of the lingual nerve to the mandibular third molar region: An anatomic study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this