The incidence of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury during the surgical removal of mandibular third molars is in the ratio of 1:5.The proximity of the surgical bur to the IAN canal during the procedure makes the nerve more vulnerable for damage. By placing a silicone sleeve which acts as a stopper at a predetermined distance on the shaft of the surgical bur, the depth of guttering in odontectomy is easily assessed and inadvertent penetration of the surgical bur into the IAN neurovascular bundle can be prevented.

A total of 40 patients with impacted mandibular third molars (20-Horizontal and 20-Mesioangular) were included in the study. Surgical procedure was performed with stopper and neurosensory evaluation was done in the follow-up visit.

Better clinical outcome was achieved by the use of this technique in the prevention of nerve damage, and hence, it proves to be effective in clinical practice.