M Krimmel1, S Reinert. 1. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Tübingen, Germany. Michael.Krimmel@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Abstract
PURPOSE: Mandibular fracture after impacted lower third molar removal is a rare, but major, complication. The factors leading to a mandibular fracture secondary to third molar removal are analyzed retrospectively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six patients who suffered from a mandibular fracture as a complication after third molar removal were examined clinically and radiographically. RESULTS: All fractures occurred an average of 14 days postoperatively. The patients were 42 to 50 years old and were all fully dentulous. All grades of tooth impaction were included. CONCLUSIONS: The major risk factor for this complication seems to be advanced age in combination with a full dentition. The degree of tooth impaction is less important. Preexisting bone lesions weaken the mandible and further predispose to a fracture.
PURPOSE: Mandibular fracture after impacted lower third molar removal is a rare, but major, complication. The factors leading to a mandibular fracture secondary to third molar removal are analyzed retrospectively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six patients who suffered from a mandibular fracture as a complication after third molar removal were examined clinically and radiographically. RESULTS: All fractures occurred an average of 14 days postoperatively. The patients were 42 to 50 years old and were all fully dentulous. All grades of tooth impaction were included. CONCLUSIONS: The major risk factor for this complication seems to be advanced age in combination with a full dentition. The degree of tooth impaction is less important. Preexisting bone lesions weaken the mandible and further predispose to a fracture.
Authors: Tommaso Cutilli; Theodora Bourelaki; Secondo Scarsella; Desiderio Di Fabio; Emanuele Pontecorvi; Pasqualino Cargini; Luis Junquera Journal: J Med Case Rep Date: 2013-04-30