Impact of 3D imaging on nerve injuries during wisdom tooth surgery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Determining the clinical IMPACT of 3D-CBCT Imaging in comparison to 2D-OPG on Nerve injuries during wisdom tooth surgery. (IMPACTION study)
IRAS ID
328241
Contact name
Anand Lalli
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 4 days
Research summary
The majority of the population will need a wisdom tooth removed at some point, and the more difficult cases are managed in hospital settings. Therefore, wisdom tooth surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures carried out in NHS hospitals, with over 60,000 operations per year. As with all surgical procedures there are potential complications, of which injury to the nerve supplying feeling to the lower lip, chin, teeth, and gums is considered the most significant. Although this is uncommon, affected patients can be left with persistent, painful tingling or numbness, which significantly impacts their ability to function and reduces their quality of life.
The risk of nerve injury during wisdom tooth surgery is determined from x-ray images showing the relative positions of the nerve and tooth in the jawbone, and this is conventionally done with 2D images (orthopantomogram, or OPG). More recently, 3D imaging (small volume cone beam computerised tomography, or CBCT) has become available, which involves a higher dose of radiation but gives more detailed information on the relationship between the tooth and nerve. However, we do not know if this additional information translates to reduced nerve injuries during surgery.
Patients currently have a 2D image organised by their dentist before referral for wisdom tooth removal, followed by a 3D image at the hospital if the tooth is shown to be in close proximity to the nerve on the 2D image. The outcome of this pragmatic multi-centre randomised controlled clinical trial will determine if patients benefit from the 3D imaging of their wisdom teeth with a reduction in nerve injuries. This could also mean patients get their painful wisdom teeth removed more quickly and with a reduced radiation dose to avoid unnecessary imaging, along with potential significant cost savings for the NHS.REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SC/0427
Date of REC Opinion
15 Dec 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion