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Background: Maxillary tuberosity fractures during molar teeth extraction commonly occur in dental practice; however, very few cases have been reported and discussed in the literature. A correct preoperative radiographic interpretation, coupled with the anatomical knowledge of the structures involved, is essential to prevent such complications., Aim: The purpose of this paper is to enumerate the predisposing and etiological factors of maxillary tuberosity fractures during the extraction of upper molars, discuss the procedures that need to be taken when small or large fractured fragments of the tuberosity are evident during surgery, and suggest appropriate recommendations. This study is based on a thorough literature review., Conclusions: Upon discovering that a maxillary tuberosity has fractured, the dentist must first halt the procedure before inadvertent laceration of the adjoining soft tissue occurs and then determine the extent of the fracture by palpating the mobile fragment. After performing the dissection of the soft tissues, immediate removal of the small fractures, including the tooth with small bony fragments, may be the best option, because of the difficulty incurred when attempting to retain the bone. When a large bony fragment is present, it is recommended (i) that the extraction be abandoned and surgical removal of the tooth be performed using root sectioning, (ii) that the dentist tries to detach the fractured tuberosity from the roots, or (iii) that the dentist stabilizes the mobile part(s) of the bone by means of a rigid fixation technique for 4-6 weeks and, at a future moment, attempts a surgical removal without the use of a forceps., (© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Purpose: Pattern and aetiology of maxillofacial injuries varies from one country to another and even within the same country depending on prevailing socio-economic, cultural and environmental factors. Various studies have been carried out in various countries to study the epidemiology and demographics of the maxillofacial injuries but the studies from India are few., Material and Methods: Retrospective study was undertaken at Christian Medical College Ludhiana (India) from January 2006 to December 2009. Treatment records of the patients was checked and age, gender, aetiology of injury, associated injuries, maxillofacial fractures and treatment offered were recorded., Results: A total of 1075 fractures were recorded in 718 patients, ranging from 11 months to 85 years of age. Male:female ratio was 6.6:1. Maxillofacial injuries were most common in third decade of life. A total of 517 patients suffered injuries because of road traffic accident, 115 because of accidental fall and 67 because of interpersonal violence. A total of 184 patients had 221 associated injuries of which 56.1% head injuries, 29.0% orthopaedic injuries and 14.9% other injuries were present. Of 596 middle third fractures, 29.8% were managed conservatively; for 21.7% and 48.7% of fractures, closed reduction and open reduction were performed respectively. Of 479 mandibular fractures, 1.8% was managed conservatively; for 16.7% and 81.5% fractures, closed reduction and open reduction were performed respectively., Conclusion: Better socio-economic status of people, increased vehicular movements and non-implementation of road safety norms have increased road traffic accidents. Proper education of the people who are most commonly involved in the RTA can be one of the possible ways to reduce the maxillofacial injuries., (© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Fracture of the maxillary tuberosity sometimes can happen when pneumatization of the maxillary sinus extends between the roots of upper molars. Some factors may lead to this complication including prominent or curved roots, chronic periapical infection, hypercementosis, root ankylosis and tooth fusion. This paper reports a case with fracture of the maxillary tuberosity following extraction of an upper first molar in general dental practice. Prevention from any complication during extractions of maxillary molars with large antral enlargement is possible with careful preoperative examination and accurate surgical planning. The general dentist should be prepared to refer such cases to an oral surgeon when facing difficulties like the presented case.

Childhood traumatic dental injury is typically associated with motor vehicle accidents, sports, or other recreational activities. However, seizure disorders or other compromising medical conditions may precipitate dental trauma. Complete intrusion injuries in the mixed or permanent dentition are relatively rare. This paper describes the case history of an adolescent male who sustained displacement of a lateral incisor into the nasal cavity and complete bony intrusion of the three other permanent maxillary incisors because of a fall following a seizure. Counseling on helmet/face-shield usage for seizure-susceptible patients must be provided and documented, particularly after sustaining traumatic injury.