LINGUAL BONE FRACTURE AFTER THIRD MOLAR EXTRACTION: CASE REPORT

Abstract

This report describes the case of a patient who sought care from the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery team in Araçatuba following an unsatisfactory postoperative outcome after third molar extraction. During the initial evaluation, the patient presented with complaints of severe pain, hardened edema upon palpation in the lower left third of the face, and limited mouth opening. Intraoral examination revealed the suture in place, active bleeding upon palpation, and a palpable bony spur on the lingual border of the left mandible. A computed tomography scan showed a fracture of the lingual bone wall on the left side of the mandible. After team discussion, the patient underwent surgical treatment to remove the bony spur under local anesthesia. This case highlights that, although complications from third molar extractions are common, they can be minimized through proper surgical planning, thereby reducing the risk of postoperative complications.