Retrieval of a Displaced Right Mandibular Third Molar Root Fragment from the Submandibular Space: A Case Report

Abstract

A case of a displaced right mandibular third molar root fragment into the submandibular space is presented in this report.  A 24 year-old single Thai woman was referred from a private  dental  clinic  because a root  of the right mandibular third molar was fractured and displaced into the lingual area while being  removed  about 2  hours previously.  The  patient  presented  with clinical features of the remaining empty  socket of the right  mandibular third molar being  extracted,  lingual cortical plate was  destroyed  at  bleeding  area . Radiographic  examination showed the fracture root  was  under  the socket at the same level of the inferior alveolar canal.  The patient was treated by flap operation to remove the root fragment under local anesthesia.  The ulceration  healed well after treatment. In addition, the causes of the root fracture while being extraction and the fractured root was displaced into adjacent structures were reviewed in order to prevent complications.