Sensory impairment after resection of the mandible: a case report of 10 cases.

Objective: In patients who have undergone mandibular resection for benign tumors involving the inferior alveolar nerve, some recovery of the neurosensory impairment in the lower lip and chin region may occur. This study investigated the extent of the residual neurosensory impairment to the lower lip and chin on the resected side.

Methods: Ten patients who underwent resection of ameloblastoma of the mandible involving the inferior alveolar nerve but not crossing the midline were evaluated by questionnaire and neurosensory testing for the extent of residual neurosensory impairment.

Results: Neurosensory tests showed that there was moderate recovery, especially in the sensation of light touch and temperature. Two-point discrimination and brush directional discrimination showed the poorest recovery.

Conclusions: All patients suffered some degree of neurosensory deficit, but there was definitely some recovery, especially in patients younger than 16 years. Most of the patients had adapted well and had minimal physical and social problems as a result of the neurosensory deficit.