Reduction of mandibular fractures

The decision to reduce a mandibular fracture by closed or open intraoral or extraoral techniques is not simple and depends upon multiple factors. That decision can be made only by the surgeon who understands the nature of the injury, the forces acting upon the injury site, and the relationship of the injury to other mandibular structures and to surrounding tissue. Other factors to consider include dentition and occlusion and an understanding of the healing processes, including the effects of concurrent disease and associated and distant trauma.