Evaluation of gustatory function after third molar removal

Akal U., Kucukyavuz Z., Nalcaci R., Yilmaz T.

International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, vol.33, no.6, pp.564-568, 2004 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 33 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2004
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ijom.2003.12.001
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.564-568
  • Keywords: gustatory function, third molar extraction, taste test, LINGUAL NERVE DAMAGE, HUMAN TASTE, REPAIR, STIMULATION, ANESTHESIA, EXTRACTION, HUMANS, INJURY
  • Ankara University Affiliated: No

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the severity of taste changes after surgical removal of all four third molars in one session. Taste function in 27 patients was measured before and at 1 month and 6 months after surgery. In every patient all four third molars were removed using local anesthesia and sedation with midazolam and fentanyl. For testing gustatory function, two tests were administered: a whole-mouth, above threshold test and a spatial (localized) taste test. For this purpose, sucrose, NaCl, citric acid and quinine hydrochloride solutions were used. Taste intensity of quinine hydrochloride of the palate was significantly reduced 1 month after surgery (P<0.05) but recovered and reach to preoperative values 6 months after surgery. The results showed that there were no significant changes in gustatory function after third molar surgery. © 2004 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.