Comparison 2. Lingual nerve protection versus no protection.

Outcome or subgroup title	No. of studies	No. of participants	Statistical method	Effect size
2.1 Permanent altered sensation (up to 6 months)	1		Peto Odds Ratio (Peto, Fixed, 95% CI)	Subtotals only
2.1.1 Lingual flap and reflection versus no lingual flap	1	380	Peto Odds Ratio (Peto, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.14 [0.00, 6.82]
2.2 Temporary altered sensation (up to 1 month)	3	735	Odds Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)	4.18 [1.75, 9.98]
2.2.1 Subperiosteal lingual nerve protection versus none	1	300	Odds Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)	3.39 [0.35, 32.97]
2.2.2 Free's retractor lingual nerve protection versus none	1	55	Odds Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)	12.09 [1.03, 142.26]
2.2.3 Lingual flap and reflection versus no lingual flap	1	380	Odds Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)	3.64 [1.31, 10.08]