RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of temporary and permanent sensory disturbance of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) of the mandible.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>14 patients were selected for this study. Before BSSO and at 1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after BSSO, the sensibility of bilateral inferior alveolar nerves were examined using sharp-blunt testing, 2-point discrimination, electronic pain response test (ZGK-1 electrometer).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>With conventional sharp-blunt and 2-point discrimination test, electronic pain response test, the incidence of temporary impairment of IAN after BSSO was 78% (22/28). Obvious sensory recovery of IAN was found 6 to 12 months postoperatively. Permanent sensory disturbance of unilateral inferior alveolar nerve occurred in 2 patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Sensory recovery of the inferior alveolar nerve after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible would take 6 to 12 months. Serious injury of the IAN would cause permanent neurosensory deficits.</p>