Wisdom tooth extraction

I am absolutely petrified that my wisdom teeth may need to be removed and that I am going to suffer nerve damage because of it.
My lower wisdom teeth are both impacted and an xray showed them to have grown into the place where the nerve lies.
I have read that nerve damage is likely if not a certainty where wisdom teeth are in the position mine are.
I have read reports suggesting numbness, loss of taste, and severe burning sensations are the likely complications I can expect.
My first question is how does the surgeon try and minimise the damage, and when damage is caused what is the reason for it.
Secondly, what are the statistics for damage to the lingual and inferior alveolar nerves during removal of impacted wisdom teeth.
Thirdly, just because my wisdom teeth are impacted, do I definitely need them out or will good oral hygeine and being careful of infections help prevent the need for their removal.
The nature of my job means I am not able to take many forms of medication so if I was left with nerve damage which required pain medication I would no longer be able to work so it is a big cause for concern for me andI really do not know what to do!