Mandibular division trigeminal nerve injuries following primary endodontic treatment. A case series

The aim of this study is to report a series of patients with mandibular division trigeminal nerve (V-3) injuries secondary to endodontic treatment, evaluate presentation characteristics and identify prevention strategies. This article describes a retrospective review of patients referred to a tertiary clinic 2007-2015 with V-3 injury following endodontic treatment. The sample included 12 male and 16 female patients with a mean age of 41.5 years. Sixteen cases presented following endodontic treatment of the first and second molar, premolar teeth in eight cases and canine in two cases. Fifteen patients reported immediate post-operative symptoms, in eleven cases there was a 24-48 h asymptomatic period. The average referral delay was 23.1 months. Twenty patients had permanent neuropathy. Four patients experienced resolution of symptoms within 8 weeks. V3 injury following endodontic treatment is rare but can result in permanent neuropathy and functional impairment. This can be avoided through comprehensive pre-operative radiographic examination, identification and referral of high-risk cases.