“…The timing of removal of such roots remains a subject of debate [ 18 ]. Some studies have suggested early removal to reduce complications [ 1 , 9 , 18 ], while others have proposed delayed removal to promote fibrosis and root stabilization [ 17 ]. Our results indicate that when fractured roots enter the IAN, earlier removal correlates with better alleviation of lower lip numbness.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…In 2014, Engelke pioneered the use of endoscopy to remove impacted M3Ms without increasing the risk of IAN injury (IANI) [ 8 ]. Huang successfully removed residual M3M roots in the maxillofacial space using endoscopy, demonstrating the safety and efficiency of the procedure [ 9 ]. Our previous study demonstrated the feasibility of using endoscopy to extract impacted M3Ms adjacent to the IAN and intraoperatively observe IAN exposure [ 10 ].…”
Purpose
To assess the impact of endoscope-assisted fractured roots or fragments extraction within the mandibular canal, along with quantitative sensory testing (QST) alterations in the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN).
Methods
Six patients with lower lip numbness following mandibular third molar extraction were selected. All patients had broken roots or fragments within the mandibular canal that were extracted under real-time endoscopic assistance. Follow-up assessments were conducted on postoperative days 1, 7, and 35, including a standardized QST of the lower lip skin.
Results
The average surgical duration was 32.5 min, with the IAN exposed in all cases. Two of the patient exhibited complete recovery of lower lip numbness, three experienced symptom improvement, and one patient remained unaffected 35 days after the surgery. Preoperative QST results showed that the mechanical detection and pain thresholds on the affected side were significantly higher than those on the healthy side, but improved significantly by postoperative day 7 in five patients, and returned to baseline in two patients on day 35. There were no significant differences in the remaining QST parameters.
Conclusions
All endoscopic surgical procedures were successfully completed without any additional postoperative complications. There were no cases of deterioration of IAN injury, and lower lip numbness recovered in the majority of cases. Endoscopy allowed direct visualization and examination of the affected nerve, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of the IAN.
“…The timing of removal of such roots remains a subject of debate [ 18 ]. Some studies have suggested early removal to reduce complications [ 1 , 9 , 18 ], while others have proposed delayed removal to promote fibrosis and root stabilization [ 17 ]. Our results indicate that when fractured roots enter the IAN, earlier removal correlates with better alleviation of lower lip numbness.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…In 2014, Engelke pioneered the use of endoscopy to remove impacted M3Ms without increasing the risk of IAN injury (IANI) [ 8 ]. Huang successfully removed residual M3M roots in the maxillofacial space using endoscopy, demonstrating the safety and efficiency of the procedure [ 9 ]. Our previous study demonstrated the feasibility of using endoscopy to extract impacted M3Ms adjacent to the IAN and intraoperatively observe IAN exposure [ 10 ].…”
Purpose
To assess the impact of endoscope-assisted fractured roots or fragments extraction within the mandibular canal, along with quantitative sensory testing (QST) alterations in the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN).
Methods
Six patients with lower lip numbness following mandibular third molar extraction were selected. All patients had broken roots or fragments within the mandibular canal that were extracted under real-time endoscopic assistance. Follow-up assessments were conducted on postoperative days 1, 7, and 35, including a standardized QST of the lower lip skin.
Results
The average surgical duration was 32.5 min, with the IAN exposed in all cases. Two of the patient exhibited complete recovery of lower lip numbness, three experienced symptom improvement, and one patient remained unaffected 35 days after the surgery. Preoperative QST results showed that the mechanical detection and pain thresholds on the affected side were significantly higher than those on the healthy side, but improved significantly by postoperative day 7 in five patients, and returned to baseline in two patients on day 35. There were no significant differences in the remaining QST parameters.
Conclusions
All endoscopic surgical procedures were successfully completed without any additional postoperative complications. There were no cases of deterioration of IAN injury, and lower lip numbness recovered in the majority of cases. Endoscopy allowed direct visualization and examination of the affected nerve, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of the IAN.
“…reported the removal of the remaining roots of seven wisdom teeth within the lingual space. [ 9 ] The authors did not report any complications with the procedure and concluded that the procedure is safe and time efficient, they highlight the importance of the light source in visualising the roots when access is difficult. [ 9 ]…”
The Rationale:
Presentation of a case where using an endoscope aided the removal of a significantly displaced mandibular third molar.
Patient Concerns:
Pain and infection associated with the ectopic wisdom tooth, increased risks with conventional surgical removal.
Diagnosis:
Chronic infection associated with the displaced, ectopic left lower third molar (LL8). Difficult surgical access and increased operative risk, with the tooth positioned lingually, below the lower border of the mandible.
Treatment:
Surgical removal was undertaken with the aid of a 30°-angled endoscope. This provided superior visualisation and allowed for a minimally invasive technique.
Outcomes:
The surgeon reported that the endoscope allowed for increased efficiency and ease of surgery. The patient experienced minimal postoperative pain and no long-term complications.
Take-away Lessons:
Endoscopes can aid surgeons in cases with difficult access and increased risks. In this case, the endoscope allowed for a minimally invasive technique, minimising the risks of surgery, and reducing postoperative morbidity.
“…Delayed approaches (2–4 weeks) also have been suggested in order to allow the formation of fibrous tissue which could stabilise the tooth, avoiding further displacement in the deeper areas. However, antibiotic therapy should be always administered to avoid infections in the area of the displacement 20–23,36–38 .…”
Accidental displacement of teeth or roots can occur during extractions. Lingually inclined or deeply impacted mandibular third molar teeth may have a higher risk of being displaced into soft tissues. A case of lingually displaced root while removing lower third molar is described. The techniques used to minimise the risk of accidental displacement of teeth and roots during extraction are discussed. The importance of recognising this complication and methods of retrieval are highlighted.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.