Iatrogenic mandibular fracture associated with third molar removal—A case report and preventive measures recommended

Removal of third molars is the most common practice in oral surgery. It may be associated with complications, such as sensory damage, haemorrhage, dry socket, infection and iatrogenic damage. A case of mandibular fracture during third molar extraction in a 41-year-old female is reported in this article. Literature review on the possible etiology and methods of prevention were analyzed. Scientifically speaking, the reasons behind such fractures are believed to be multi-factorial and possibly include age, gender, degree of impaction, relative volume of the tooth in the jaw, preexisting infection or bone lesions, unqualified surgical technique and the failure of a strict management of doctor's advices in the early postoperative period. It is possible to reduce the incidence of this complication by adoption of preventive measures recommended.