Lingual nerve deficit following mandibular third molar removal: Review of the literature and medicolegal considerations

The removal of mandibular third molars is probably the most frequently performed procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and it is the most common surgical procedure associated with lingual nerve deficit. Lingual sensory impairment remains a clinical problem in oral and maxillofacial surgery and has serious medical and legal implications. In fact, damage to the lingual nerve is a common cause of litigation in dentistry. The purpose of this article was to review the literature about lingual nerve deficit following mandibular third molar removal and discuss the associated medicolegal aspects.