Retrieval Of Accidentally Displaced Mandibular Third Molars From The Adjacent Anatomical Spaces

BACKGROUND:The accidental displacement of mandibular third molars into the adjacentanatomical spaces, though a rare occurrence, can have serious ramifications. The use ofextended lingual mucoperiosteal flap technique is discussed here, for the removal ofsuch accidentally displaced third molars.AIM:To evaluate the efficiency of this technique over other conventional techniques.OBJECTIVES:To generalize the causes for the accidental displacement of the mandibular thirdmolars into the adjacent orofacial spaces and to contemplate the proper methods fortheir retrieval..METHODS:The data, from7cases of the kind encountered in the hospital from July2000-June09, were analyzed in the retrospect. All the teeth were retrieved with an extendedlingual mucoperiosteal flap from the ramus to (at least) the premolar region.RESULTS:All the teeth were retrieved from the spaces without any untoward complications.. CONCLUSION:The study suggested that the extended lingual mucoperiosteal flap is a goodmethod for retrieving the mandibular third molars from the adjacent anatomical spaces,in case they get accidentally displaced.