The above image was taken of our patient whom presented to our facility due to an infection peripheral to the wisdom teeth. I was a concerned regarding the proximity of the teeth to the mandibular nerve. I recommended our patient to have a 3D scan done of this area in order to find out exactly where the nerve existed. Although the wisdom teeth needed to be removed, I wanted to assess the situation in order to evaluate the risk vs. benefit of having the procedure done. I then informed the patient that it is best for him to seek a consultation from a qualified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon to have the procedure done. Wisodm teeth removals are done routinely in our office. Here is a case scenario where vital information was obtained prior to the procedure, so our patient had a thorough informed conscent. He can then make an intelligent choice regarding the procedure.
Here is the view of the lower right wisdom tooth and its proximity to the mandibular nerve.
The image below shows the lower left wisdom tooth and its proximity to the mandibular nerve:
Cross sectional/frontal views of both the lower left and right wisdom teeth and the position of the nerve is clearly demonstrated here. Equally important is to know that not all wisdom teeth are in this close proximity to the nerve. However, it is far better for the practitioner to have this information "PRIOR" to attempting the procedure, rather than to encounter it during!
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