Nerve injury
Characterise sensory change with a baseline map and serial examination; document timing and function and refer when indicated.
Understand
An inferior alveolar, lingual or mental nerve injury can affect touch, taste or function and may be distressing. Early characterisation helps prognosis and referral.
Assess
Map the sensory territory, modality, severity, dysaesthesia and timing against a pre-operative baseline. Document whether symptoms are improving or worsening.
Apply
Explain findings, arrange review and seek specialist advice where indicated, particularly for severe or persistent deficits. Do not dismiss altered sensation because the patient can still feel some contact.
Key distinctions
Document neurosensory change by distribution and modalities such as light touch, sharp/blunt distinction and altered unpleasant sensation as appropriate. Symptoms may change during healing, so serial records are valuable. Severe pain, complete anaesthesia or no improvement may alter referral urgency. Explain realistic uncertainty rather than promising complete recovery or dismissing a subtle deficit.
Think through a case
A patient reports new lower-lip numbness immediately after surgery. Map and document the territory today, explain follow-up and escalate according to severity.
The distinction to remember
Do not rely on “sensation intact” without recording modality, distribution and change from baseline.
Test your recall
Why record the sensory territory precisely?
Show answer
It helps localise injury and monitor recovery.