Iatrogenically Displaced Lower Wisdom Tooth Into Submandibular Space: A Case Report And Review On Retrieval Approaches

Accidental displacement of wisdom tooth and its elements are one of the uncommon complications. The common facial spaces involved during the displacement of lower wisdom teeth are Sub mandibular, Sublingual and Pterygomandibular spaces. Such complications have adverse physical and psychological impact over the patients. The management can vary from conservative observation to surgical retrieval; depending on the presenting clinical conditions, location and the relationship of the displaced elements with respect to the anatomic structures. Retrieval of a displaced root tip from these spaces may be complex due to poor visualization, limited access and under limited experience. This is a case report with a review on approaches for surgical retrieval, of a young male patient aged 28 years, who presented with a displaced mandibular third molar root into the Submandibular space during unsuccessful surgical removal by a general practitioner 2 weeks earlier. The presenting complaints were Limited mouth opening and pain during chewing on the right lower jaw. The case was managed surgically through extra oral approach under local anesthesia and MAC.