Traditional vs. orthodontic extraction of impacted teeth related to the inferior alveolar nerve: a randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this prospective randomized controlled trial was to compare the effects of orthodontic and traditional extraction methods on nerve injury following the extraction of impacted third molars close to the inferior alveolar nerve and to demonstrate the impact of factors such as gender, age, systemic diseases, the side of the third molar, its position, and classification on nerve recovery.

METHODS

Patients with impacted third molars close to the inferior alveolar nerve and an indication for impacted third molar extraction were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical approach to be applied.

RESULTS

Preoperative 2-point discrimination (2PD) test values, as well as postoperative 2PD test and visual analog scales (VAS) values on the 7th day, 14th day, and 1st, 3rd, and 6th months, were compared. In the traditional extraction group, the results of the 2PD test were statistically significantly higher on the 7th day, 14th day, 1 month, and 3 months compared to the orthodontic extraction group (P < 0.05). Sex, age, systemic disease, M3 side, position, and classification had no statistically significant effect on nerve recovery (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The orthodontic extraction was found to be safer than traditional extraction in terms of nerve injury for high-risk M3s.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered on www.

CLINICALTRIALS: govin13/02/2024 .

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: NCT06270784.