Characteristics of iatrogenic mandibular fractures associated with tooth removal: review and analysis of 189 cases

Fracture of the mandible during exodontia is fortunately rare, but is under-reported. A review identified 189 documented cases of iatrogenic fractures of the mandible (IFM) associated with the removal of teeth. The reasons for its occurrence are thought to be multifactorial and include age, sex, degree of tooth impaction, relative volume of the tooth in the jaw, pre-existing infection or bony lesions, failure to maintain a soft diet in the early postoperative period, and the surgical technique. The clinical experience of the surgeon does not seem to have an important role. We review the aetiology of iatrogenic mandibular fracture and summarise the ways of minimising this complication.