Clinical article
Clinical and anatomic observations on the relationship of the lingual nerve to the mandibular third molar region

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Abstract

The position of the lingual nerve in the mandibular third molar region was measured and photographed in 34 cadaver dissections and 256 cases of third molar extraction. In 17.6% of the dissections the lingual nerve was found at the level of the alveolar crest or higher. Horizontally the nerve contacted the lingual plate of the third molar in 62% of the specimens. Of 256 patients, the nerve was visualized above the height of the lingual plate of the lower third molar in 12 (4.6%). These results document the vulner-ability of the lingual nerve as it passes medially to the mandibular third molar.

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    Citation Excerpt :

    It is well known that lingual nerve spatial localization at the level of the third molar region varies widely from individual to individual, as well as within the same individual.12,13,15-24 Although several studies have attempted to define lingual nerve topographic relationships with the lower third molar in both the horizontal and vertical planes,15-22 their comparison is difficult because the reference points used for measurements are not unique. In addition, most of the articles often neglected important parameters, providing inaccurate information regarding race, age, gender, number of missing teeth, and degree of bone atrophy.

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Formerly resident, Highland General Hospital, Oakland, California and University of the Pacific School of Dentistry; currently in private practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Professor and Chairman.

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