Submandibular displacement of a mandibular third molar root during extraction: a case report

A 46-year-old female patient with complaints of pain and swelling on right submandibular region and limitation on mouth opening was reported. She had undergone an unsuccessful surgical procedure under local anesthesia performed by a general practitioner for removal of impacted mandibuler right third molar 1 week earlier. On clinical examination floor of the mouth was tender to palpation. Panoramic and the periapical radiographs showed presence of a radiopaque mass similar to that of a tooth root. Computed tomography scans were obtained for detailed radiographic examination, thereby the presence of a high density area in the submandibular region was detected. Under general anesthesia the displaced root was removed and the postoperative course was uneventful.