The Impact of 3D-CBCT Imaging on Nerve Injuries During Wisdom Tooth Surgery
The investigators aim to investigate if the additional information available from a 3D scan of the wisdom tooth can reduce the risk of nerve injury during wisdom tooth surgery compared to conventional 2D images.

Wisdom tooth surgery is a common surgical procedures that a significant proportion of the population will undergo. As with any other surgical procedure, there are potential complications, of which, injury to the nerve supplying feeling to the lip, chin, and tongue is the most significant. This can lead to persistent pain, tingling, or numbness that may impact a patient's ability to eat and function.

The risk of nerve injury during wisdom tooth surgery is assessed using X-ray images, which show the position of the nerve and tooth in the jawbone. 2D and 3D scans are used, which have their own advantages and disadvantages such as reduced cost and radiation dose with 2D or more information from 3D images, but it remains unclear which is better at reducing the risk of nerve injuries.
- EligibilityCriteria: Inclusion Criteria:  Individuals are seen in the Oral Surgery department with a 2D-OPG x-ray and a diagnosis of a mandibular wisdom tooth that requires surgical treatment. Individuals requiring a 3D-CBCT to further assess the relationship between the wisdom tooth and the inferior alveolar nerve. Individuals who are to undergo surgical treatment for their wisdom tooth regardless of the surgical approach (e.g. coronectomy or extraction) or the anaesthetic technique utilised. Individuals without any pre-existing neurological deficit of cranial nerve V (trigeminal nerve) or medical conditions or medications that may cause changes in neurosensory function. Individuals over the age of 16 and willing and able to provide valid informed consent for themselves. Individuals with adequate English comprehension to read the written PIS and consent form and understand the follow-up call questions. Individuals willing to provide contact details to allow a telephone follow-up call one week after their surgery.  Exclusion Criteria:  Individuals who do not have the capacity to consent for themselves. Individuals taking medicines or having medical conditions and disorders that impair neurosensory function. Individuals requiring wisdom tooth surgery to manage associated pathology such as cysts, fractures, or tumours where the pathological condition may interfere with the neurosensory function of the trigeminal nerve at 1 week post-operatively. Individuals who are unable to read or speak English. - HealthyVolunteers: No - Gender: All - MinimumAge: 16 Years - StdAgeList: Child, Adult, Older Adult