Sofía Escobar; Polett Yáñez; María José Flores; Marcela del Río & Valentina Rebolledo

Summary

Maxillofacial trauma is a public health issue with functional and aesthetic implications. Its prevalence varies depending on the region and demographics, primarily affecting the mandible. Its etiology is multifactorial, including traffic accidents, assaults, and falls. Mandibular angle frac- tures account for between 12 % and 40 % of mandibular fractures. A key factor in these fractures is the presence of third molars, which increase bone fragility and may become displaced into deep anatomical spaces. This report descri- bes the case of a 29-year-old patient with a left mandibular angle fracture and displacement of the third molar into the pterygomandibular space, secondary to an assault. Emergency surgery was performed, including open reduction and internal fixation with osteosynthesis plates, as well as the extraction of the displaced molar. The intervention was successful and led to a favorable recovery. This case highlights the importance of early surgical intervention to prevent infectious and functional complications, emphasizing the need for an accurate diagnosis in an emergency setting. KEY WORDS: mandibular fractures, third molar, emergency treatment, pterygomandibular space.

How to cite this article

ESCOBAR, S.; YÁÑEZ, P.; FLORES, M. J.; DEL RÍO, M. & REBOLLEDO, V. Emergency surgical resolution of mandibular angle fracture associated with displaced third molar. Int. J. Odontostomat., 19(3):329-334, 2025.