Incidence of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Injury Following Mandibular Third Molar Surgery: A Systematic Review

Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury is a recognized complication of mandibular third molar surgery, with significant implications for patient quality of life and medicolegal considerations. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the reported incidence of IAN injury following mandibular third molar extraction and to summarize associated clinical and radiographic risk factors. Materials and Methods A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies reporting the incidence of IAN injury following surgical removal of mandibular third molars were included. Data regarding study design, sample size, follow-up duration, and reported incidence of temporary and permanent IAN injury were extracted and analysed qualitatively.