Preoperative visualization of the lingual nerve by 3D double-echo steady-state MRI in surgical third molar extraction treatment.

3D-DESS MRI might be beneficial in clinical scenarios where the second molar is elongated or presents a difficult rotational position while simultaneously having a close positional relationship to the third molar. Thereby, osteotomy performed more lingually, indicating extended lingual flap detachment may increase the risk of LN damage.