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01-07-2019 | Original Article

Clinical investigation of gustatory and neurosensory alterations following mandibular third molar surgery: an observational prospective study

Authors: Assis Filipe Medeiros Albuquerque, Eduardo Costa Studart Soares, Paulo Goberlânio de Barros Silva, Barbara Betty de Lima, Francisco Samuel Rodrigues Carvalho, Thyciana Rodrigues Ribeiro, Davi de Sá Cavalcante, Fábio Wildson Gurgel Costa

Published in: Clinical Oral Investigations | Issue 7/2019

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to prospectively observe gustatory and neurosensory alterations following surgical removal of mandibular third molars.

Material and methods

A prospective clinical study was conducted with patients who required mandibular third molar extraction, recruited from the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Federal University of Ceará (Brazil). Age, sex, and radiographic signs were recorded. The outcome variables were the presence or absence of gustatory and neurosensory alterations. The patients were observed preoperatively and at 7, 30, 90, and 180 days postoperatively by using gustatory and neurosensory tests.

Results

The response to sweet (p = 0.509) and sour (p = 0.078) stimulus did not alter significantly over time. The salty threshold significantly increased from the preoperative to 7- and 30-day postoperative periods, returning to baseline values at 90 days postoperatively (p = 0.038). The bitter threshold increased significantly from the preoperative to 7-day postoperative period, returning to baseline values at 30 days after surgery (p < 0.001). Regarding neurosensory evaluation, there was an altered response to stimulus at 7 days postoperatively in specific studied areas, returning to baseline values 30 days after surgery (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The present study shows that mandibular third molar removal was associated with slight sensory disturbances related to mechanical, tactile, and gustatory perception. Regarding the recovery period, all patients returned to normal function without intervention, over a period ranging from 30 to 90 days.

Clinical relevance

This study highlighted the importance of a sensory evaluation following removal of third molars, notably regarding mechanical perception and gustatory threshold assessment.

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Title: Clinical investigation of gustatory and neurosensory alterations following mandibular third molar surgery: an observational prospective study
Authors: Assis Filipe Medeiros Albuquerque
Eduardo Costa Studart Soares
Paulo Goberlânio de Barros Silva
Barbara Betty de Lima
Francisco Samuel Rodrigues Carvalho
Thyciana Rodrigues Ribeiro
Davi de Sá Cavalcante
Fábio Wildson Gurgel Costa
Publication date: 01-07-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Clinical Oral Investigations / Issue 7/2019
Print ISSN: 1432-6981
Electronic ISSN: 1436-3771
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-018-02798-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Clinical investigation of gustatory and neurosensory alterations following mandibular third molar surgery: an observational prospective study

Abstract

Objective

Material and methods

Results

Conclusion

Clinical relevance

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Material and methods

Results

Conclusion

Clinical relevance

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