Mandibular fractures are the most common facial fractures that need surgical intervention. If untreated, these fractures affect a patient's occlusion, degree of mouth opening, and facial symmetry, and could cause infection with significant pain. The goal of any surgical intervention is to restore the preinjury occlusion, even if the preinjury occlusion is abnormal. Initial therapies, whether surgical or conservative, are not always successful, however, and revision or delayed surgical intervention can be challenging. Herein, we review common causes of failure of primary surgical management of mandibular fractures and provide tips to successful secondary intervention.
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