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Oral Surgery · single question

When extracting tooth #17 (upper left third molar), which of the following is the LEAST likely complication?

  1. Long buccal nerve injury
  2. Dry socket (alveolar osteitis)
  3. Inferior alveolar nerve injury
  4. Delayed wound healing
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Long buccal nerve injury

  • A. ✅ Correct. The LONG BUCCAL nerve is at risk primarily during LOWER third molar extractions and buccal infiltrations. For an UPPER third molar (#17) extraction, long buccal nerve injury is the LEAST likely complication.
  • B. ❌ Dry socket can occur after any extraction including upper third molars.
  • C. ❌ While IAN injury is more common with lower thirds, it can occur with upper third molar extractions (maxillary tuberosity fractures with potential spread). However, for UPPER third molars, this is less likely than for lower.
  • D. ❌ Delayed wound healing is always a potential complication of any extraction.

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