title: Endovascular embolization for the management of inferior alveolar artery bleeding after a third molar extraction: A case report.
abstract: Removal of third molars is a common surgical procedure with low complication rates. Localized alveolar osteitis, infection, bleeding, and paresthesia are the four most common postoperative complications of third molar extraction reported in the literature. Postoperative severe hemorrhages are rare and are usually related to inferior alveolar artery damage. Although most bleeding is usually managed effectively by local compression or packing of the socket, even life-threatening complications may occur. Endovascular embolization has been rarely reported as treatment for such a complication and represents an ideal solution, with a low complication rate and excellent control of bleeding. The authors report a case of potentially life-threatening hemorrhage continuing 4 days after extraction of the mandibular right third molar, resulting in significant anemia (Hb 6.6 g/dL) and treated successfully with endovascular embolization of the inferior alveolar artery. The authors consider it important for general practitioners to know this treatment and how to manage this rare complication in the correct way, saving time if satisfactory hemostasis cannot be reached with common procedures.
authors.forename: Bernardo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bianchi
authors.forename: Anea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Varazzani
authors.forename: Anea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ferri
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Menozzi
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sesenna
mesh_terms: D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000098:blood supply*; D001158:Arteries / Q000293:injuries*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy*; D014081:Tooth Extraction