[Lesions of the lingual nerve during extraction of the mandibular wisdom teeth. Consequences--etiopathogenesis--prevention--prognosis--legal medical aspects]

A brief review of the lingual nerve anatomy is followed by an examination of the consequences of injury to the lingual nerve during mandibular wisdom tooth extraction on sensibility and sensorial activities. The circumstances of such injury are described as a function of the position of the tooth together with means of prevention. The clinical course of injury to the lingual nerve is unpredictable and varies over time and in quality of recovery. No prognosis can be made before a reasonable delay of 18 months to 2 years. Prevention remains the best treatment and consists of using a flexible bar to protect the nerve during the operation. Rate of legal disability compensation is estimated at 2 to 5%.