Can Histopathological Evidence of Ankylosis of the Tooth be Helpful in the Prevention of a Medicolegal Case in Case of Iatrogenic Fracture of the Mandible during Dental Extraction where Preoperative Radiographs have not been Taken?

Abstract

A fracture of the mandible is a rare complication that can occur during a dental extraction being carried out under local/general anesthesia. It is always advisable to take a pre-operative radiograph of the tooth to be considered for extraction to study the root configuration and make a surgical plan for the case. Most of the dental extractions carried out without taking a preoperative radiograph are completed uneventfully. However, in rare cases, complications can arise owing to local anatomical variations and lead to medicolegal issues and litigation. This article discusses the management of a case of iatrogenic fracture of the mandible during dental extraction, wherein a pre-operative radiograph was not taken; however, following extraction of the tooth and management of the fracture mandible, the histopathology report of the extracted tooth was suggestive of ankylosis of the tooth.

Keywords: Dental extraction; iatrogenic fracture; mandible; microphotograph; preoperative radiograph.