complications of tooth extraction.pptx FIRM B.pptx
1. complications of tooth
extraction
FIRM B
NAMES
1. CHILEMBO LYTON
2. BENJAMIN MWANSA
3. KONDWANI NDOLO
4. ISABEL CHANDA
5. TAIZYA SINYANGWE
6. MALAMBO BUSIKU
7. NSANGISHA
2. Introduction
Tooth extraction is one of the most commonly performed procedures in oral and
maxillofacial surgery. Although it is generally considered safe, a variety of
complications may occur depending on the difficulty of the extraction, the patient’s
systemic health, and operator skill.
These complications can be broadly categorized into early, intermediate, and late
types based on their time of onset. Early complications typically arise
intraoperatively or within hours (e.g., bleeding, fractures, oro-antral
communication), intermediate complications develop within a few days (e.g.,
swelling, trismus, infection, dry socket), while late complications may appear weeks
to months later (e.g., delayed healing, chronic osteomyelitis, osteoradionecrosis,
nerve injury sequelae).
Understanding these complications, their causes, and management is essential for
safe clinical practice and improved patient outcomes.
4. A. Ineffectiveness of local anesthesia
Local anesthesia often fails due to improper injection site, insufficient dosage, or
not allowing enough time for the anesthetic to take effect before starting the
procedure.
When standard infiltration or regional nerve blocks do not provide adequate
numbness, alternative methods such as intra-ligamentary, intra-osseous, or intra-
pulpal injections might be necessary.
However, if there is an active infection near the tooth, these techniques should
be avoided because injecting anesthetic into infected tissue can risk spreading
the infection further.
5. B. Inability to mobilize the tooth
When a tooth resists reasonable attempts to loosen it using forceps
or elevators, this often signals that the surrounding bone is
particularly dense and rigid, or that the tooth's root anatomy is
blocking its removal.
Applying excessive force with the instruments risks breaking the
tooth or causing undue fatigue for both the clinician and the patient.
To identify the exact cause of the obstruction, a radiographic image
should be obtained before surgically lifting a mucoperiosteal flap to
remove bone or section the tooth as necessary
6. C. Fracture involving the tooth or its root during
extraction.
The causes of root fructure are the following;
i. Applying excessive pressure or force to the tooth.
ii. Teeth compromised by decay or extensive dental restorations.
iii. Incorrect force application, such as not securing enough of the root
or using forceps with blades too broad to create proper two-point
contact on the root.
iv. Rushing the procedure due to impatience or frustration.
v. Root shapes or structures that are naturally unfavorable for
extraction or stress
7. C. Fracture involving the tooth or its root during
extraction CONTINUED
Experiencing a tooth fracture can be frustrating, but it’s rarely catastrophic and
is something even seasoned dentists encounter.
The crucial step in handling this challenge is to carefully evaluate the situation.
Ideally, all root fragments should be extracted; however, some apical pieces
may be challenging or risky to remove due to their close proximity to the
inferior dental nerve or the floor of the maxillary sinus. These small root tips
are often best left undisturbed, as they seldom cause any issues.
Generally, root fragments from vital teeth that are under 5 mm in length can
be safely retained in the jaws of healthy individuals.
Conversely, larger root remnants, or those associated with necrotic pulp tissue
or periapical radiolucencies, should be surgically removed to prevent
complications.
8. D.Breakage of the alveolar bone, including the
maxillary tuberosity
Fracturing of the alveolar bone is a frequent issue encountered during tooth
extractions. Often, extracted teeth show fragments of alveolar bone still attached.
This can happen if the forceps accidentally grasp part of the bone, or due to the
shape of the tooth roots, the alveolar socket, or underlying bone conditions.
Notably, extracting canines often leads to fractures of the labial plate.
When an alveolar fragment loses more than half of its periosteal connection, it
should be carefully removed. This is done by holding the fragment with
hemostatic forceps and gently separating the surrounding soft tissue using a
periosteal elevator
9. D.Breakage of the alveolar bone, including the maxillary tuberosity CONTINUED
Occasionally, during the removal of an upper molar, the maxillary tuberosity
along with the surrounding bone may become detached and move together with
the tooth.
If such a fracture occurs, immediately discontinue use of the forceps and create a
large buccal mucoperiosteal flap.
Carefully separate the fractured tuberosity and tooth from the palatal soft tissues
using blunt dissection, then elevate the injured area.
Finally, close the soft tissue flaps with mattress sutures that evert the edges,
ensuring they remain in place for a minimum of 10 days to promote proper
healing.
A fracture in the mandible can occur during tooth extraction if too much force is
applied or if underlying pathological conditions have weakened the jawbone.
It is crucial to avoid using excessive pressure when removing teeth to prevent
such complications.
10. E. Fracture or partial dislocation (subluxation) of
neighboring teeth
Accidental displacement of a tooth adjacent to the extraction site is preventable.
This complication often arises from incorrect use of the elevator tool.
To avoid this, place a finger on the neighboring tooth during elevation to provide
support and to sense any force being applied to it.
11. F. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dislocation
Some individuals are prone to frequent dislocations of the temporomandibular joint, and
any history of repeated episodes should be taken seriously.
This issue can arise as a complication during mandibular tooth extractions but is often
avoidable.
To prevent dislocation, it is crucial to provide firm support to the lower jaw throughout the
extraction process.
The operator’s left hand should stabilize the jaw, while additional upward pressure beneath
the mandibular angles should be applied by the anesthetist or an assistant using both
hands.
Therefore, when a dislocation occurs, it must be promptly corrected. The clinician
positions themselves facing the patient, placing their thumbs inside the mouth on the
external oblique ridges beside any existing mandibular molars. Simultaneously, their
fingers rest externally beneath the lower edge of the mandible. Applying downward force
with the thumbs and upward force with the fingers effectively relocates the dislocated
joint.
12. G. Displacement of the tooth or root fragments into adjacent
tissues
Although uncommon, this complication can be quite serious. During extraction, a
tooth or a fragment may inadvertently slip beneath a mucoperiosteal flap into the
lingual pouch, passing through the delicate lingual cortical bone near the lower third
molar area. Alternatively, displacement can occur into the infratemporal fossa behind
the maxillary tuberosity in the upper molar region.
Such displacement often results from incorrect use of forceps or attempting to elevate
a root without sufficient access. If any portion of the tooth or root is missing after
extraction, it is crucial to obtain additional radiographs of the socket and adjacent
structures to locate the displaced fragment.
During an extraction, if a tooth or root fragment disappears from sight, it might have
migrated to one of several locations:1) Accidentally swallowed into the stomach or
inhaled into the lungs. In such cases, the patient should be promptly referred to a
hospital for abdominal and chest X-rays.2) Forced into the maxillary sinus
(antrum).3) Embedded within adjacent soft tissue spaces. 4)Unintentionally trapped
by the suction device.5) Remaining lodged within the tooth socket.
13. 2. Intermediate Complications (1–7 days post-extraction)
1. Severe or lingering discomfort
Normal pain subsides within 48–72 hours.
Persistent severe pain may indicate dry socket or infection.
Swelling (edema)
2. Inflammatory response to trauma or infection.
Peaks at 48–72 hours, then subsides. Prolonged swelling suggests infection.
3. Restricted jaw movement (trismus)
Due to trauma, inflammation, hematoma, or infection in muscles of
mastication.
Patient struggles to open the mouth, affecting speech and eating.
14. Intermediate Complications (1–7 days post-extraction)
con’t
4. Episodes of bleeding (secondary hemorrhage)
Occurs hours to days later due to dislodged clot, infection, or slippage of a ligature.
May be mild oozing or frank bleeding.
5. Dry socket (alveolar osteitis)
Occurs 2–4 days after extraction.
Blood clot is lost or fails to form, leaving exposed bone.
Characterized by severe throbbing pain radiating to ear, foul odor, and empty socket
with bare bone.
6. Acute osteomyelitis
Infection spreads into alveolar bone.
Presents with severe pain, swelling, pus, fever, and possibly sequestrum formation.
15. 7. Infection spreading to adjacent soft tissues
Bacterial spread may cause cellulitis, abscess, or even Ludwig’s
angina.
Leads to swelling, tenderness, fever, and risk of airway compromise.
8. Oro-antral fistula
If early oro-antral communication fails to close, it epithelializes to
form a fistula.
Leads to recurrent sinusitis, regurgitation of fluids into nose, and foul
discharge.
16. 3. Late complications
1. Delayed Healing
Healing may be prolonged due to systemic factors (e.g., diabetes mellitus,
anemia, malnutrition, immunosuppression) or local factors (infection, poor oral
hygiene, smoking, trauma).
Socket may remain unhealed for weeks with persistent pain or granulation tissue.
2. Dry Socket Sequelae (Alveolar Osteitis)
Usually an early complication (2–4 days), but persistent pain and delayed socket
epithelialization can become a late complication if untreated.
The exposed bone may later predispose to chronic infection.
3. Chronic Osteomyelitis
Infection may extend into the alveolar bone leading to chronic osteomyelitis,
especially in patients with low immunity or following extraction of a tooth in an
irradiated jaw.
Presents with pain, swelling, pus discharge, sequestration, or fistula formation.
17. 4. Osteoradionecrosis / Medication-Related Osteonecrosis
In patients with a history of head and neck radiotherapy or those on
bisphosphonates/antiresorptive drugs, extraction sites may fail to heal.
Leads to persistent exposed necrotic bone, secondary infection, and chronic pain.
5. Fracture Sequelae
Unrecognized fractures of the alveolar bone, mandible, or tuberosity during
extraction may cause:Nonunion/malunion, Chronic pain or difficulty chewing,
Sinus complications if maxillary tuberosity is involved.
6. Nerve Injury Sequelae
Lingual nerve, inferior alveolar nerve, or mental nerve injury may result in:
Persistent paresthesia, dysesthesia, or anesthesia which may be temporary or
permanent.
18. REFERENCES
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2010. Risk factors associated with injury to the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves following third molar
surgery—revisited. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology, 109(3),
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Alexander, R.E., 2000. Dental extraction wound management: A case against medicating postextraction
sockets. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 58(5), pp.538–551.
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