Third molar surgery is the most common
minor oral surgical procedure performed in
dental clinics. Displacement of maxillary
third molar tooth into adjacent spaces such as
infratemporal fossa,
maxillary sinus has been reported earlier. We present an unusual case of iatrogenic displacement of maxillary
third molar into pterygomandibular space.A 24 year old dental undergraduate reported to Department of
Oral surgery with complaints of
trismus and swelling in the check region after unsuccessful attempt at extraction of maxillary right
third molar tooth. Computed
tomography scan localized the
tooth in the pterygomandibular space. A surgical removal of the displaced
tooth was performed under
general anesthesia.Displaced
tooth was approached by an intraoral vertical incision along the anterior border of ramus of
mandible. Correlating with computed
tomography scan,
tooth was located and removed followed bysuturing of the surgical site. A good
knowledge of the operating area and adjoining spaces is essential to avoid iatrogenic damage to
tissues during
minor oral surgery procedures. Adequate exposure and appropriate
instrumentation during
surgery can prevent undue
complications and ensure quality
patient care