Post-operative nerve damage and the removal of the mandibular third molar: a matter of common consent

The aim of this study was to seek a consensus regarding written preoperative warning of possible nerve damage for patients having outpatient surgical removal of mandibular third molar teeth with local analgesia in Oral and Maxillofacial surgical units throughout the UK. The person first advising the patient is not always the one undertaking the operative procedure, and confusion concerning consent may arise in such circumstances. Questionnaires were sent to 140 consultants in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery units throughout the UK. Replies were received from 101 consultants. Of these, 29.7% routinely provided patients with a written warning of potential nerve damage. 66.3% routinely provided a verbal warning, and 4% did not routinely provide either a written or verbal warning.