CASE REPORTS   

Journal of Maxillofacial Trauma 2012 August;1(2):55-8

Copyright © 2012 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Delayed removal of a third molar displaced by mandibular ballistic injury

Rubin D. ¹, Maskas N. ², Conquest M. ¹

¹ Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA; ² LSU School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA, USA

The removal of foreign bodies (teeth specifically) associated with mandibular ballistic injuries is discussed. A brief overview of the complications of ballistic injuries in addition to considerations in foreign object removal is reviewed. A patient suffered a gunshot wound (GSW) to the face and neck resulting in displacement of a mandibular third molar into the submandibular space. Removal of the displaced tooth was contraindicated at the time of injury due to bleeding concerns since the patient was heparinized. The foreign body eventually migrated inferiorly towards the hyoid bone and resulted in pain for the patient several months later. The tooth was removed at that time.