Accidental displacement of third molar into the sublingual space: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Successful extraction of third molars depends on preoperative diagnosis and planning. Gold standard preoperative examinations are performed through computed tomography, decreasing risks and avoiding potential accidents. The present report highlights the value of preoperative examinations in face of accidentally displaced third molars.


METHODS
An 18-years-old female patient underwent a third mandibular molar extraction with a general dentist. Accidentally, the mandibular left third molar was displaced into the sublingual space, making necessary a second surgical step. The surgery was interrupted and the patient was referred to an expert in maxillofacial surgery.


RESULTS
After 21 days awaiting an asymptomatic health status, the second surgical step was successfully performed using multislice computed tomography as preoperative imaging guide.


CONCLUSIONS
The present case report highlights the clinical usefulness of imaging planning and informed consents in face of legal and ethic potential complaints.
Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Paulista University Brazil.
Rubens Jorge
RJ
Silveira
Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Paulista University Brazil.
Robson Rodrigues
RR
Garcia
Department of Radiology, Paulista University Brazil.
Tessa Lucena
TL
Botelho
Department of Stomatology, School of Health and Biosciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná Brazil.
Ademir
A
Franco
Department of Legal Odontology, Federal University of Goias Brazil. ; Department of Legal Odontology, Paulista University Brazil.
Rhonan Ferreira
RF
Silva
multislice computed tomography; oral surgery; third molar; tooth extraction