Late mandibular fracture after attempted third molar surgery: case report

Abstract

Removal of lower third molar corresponds to one of the most common procedures in oral surgery. The extraction can result in several intraoperative or postoperative complications, especially when fully impacted molars are involved. This case report describes a mandibular angle fracture following removal of a fully impacted lower third molar of a 41 years old male patient. The fracture occurred 3 days after the attempt to extract the tooth 38 by a dentist surgeon. Several factors influencing the possibility of fracture including gender, age, dental position, and angulation were reviewed and associated with the injury. A fracture line in the angular region of the jaw was observed in radiological and tomographic analysis, both essential to perform the diagnosis. Open reduction internal fixation treatment approach was realized to ensure the best patient’s recovery. We conclude that the difficult to maintain a soft diet and the complete dentition factor could have been determinant to cause the fracture.

Descriptors: Mandibular Fractures; Fracture Fixation; Molar, Third.

References

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