Life-threatening hemorrhage after extraction of third molars:case report and management protocol.

Few dental procedures have fatal complications, but severe postoperative hemorrhage can result in preventable death. This report describes a case of postextraction hemorrhage that led to airway compromise necessitating emergency airway management. This complication is rare, and a review of the literature revealed little in the way of case reports and treatment protocols. This article reviews the causes of and risk factors related to severe postoperative bleeding and presents an algorithm for management both in the dental office and in the hospital.