Assessing Nerve Damage After Dental Procedures
Author Information
Author(s): Biasiotta A., Cascone P., Cecchi R., Cruccu G., Iannetti G., Mariani A., Spota A., Truini A.
Primary Institution: Sapienza University
Hypothesis
What is the sensitivity and specificity of the masseter inhibitory reflex (MIR) in detecting iatrogenic damage to the mandibular nerves?
Conclusion
The masseter inhibitory reflex testing is highly specific for demonstrating nerve damage, but a normal result does not rule it out.
Supporting Evidence
- The masseter inhibitory reflex showed 99% specificity and 51% sensitivity in detecting nerve damage.
- The latency of the reflex was significantly longer on the affected side compared to the unaffected side.
- Patients with normal MIR results may still have nerve damage.
Takeaway
Doctors used a special test to see if dental work hurt nerves in people's jaws. They found that if the test showed a problem, it meant there was nerve damage, but if it didn't, it didn't mean there wasn't any damage.
Methodology
The study recorded the masseter inhibitory reflex in 160 patients with sensory disturbances after dental procedures, using controlled, blinded methods.
Limitations
The study did not find a correlation between the time since injury and the severity of nerve damage.
Participant Demographics
49 females and 111 males, mean age 44.4 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.0001
Confidence Interval
CI: 0.435–0.587
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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