Arrested root growth and concomitant failure of eruption of a developing tooth following open reduction and internal fixation of a pediatric mandibular fracture

Mandible is one of the commonly fractured bone in children during maxillofacial trauma. These factures are usually managed conservatively but sometimes require open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Management of mandibular fracture in children is influenced by the presence of developing permanent tooth buds, minimal anchorage from primary teeth and facial growth and development. Although, there have been technical and material advancements with ORIF, it is still associated with complications related to growth and damage to developing teeth. This case report describes a case of mandibular parasymphyseal fracture managed successfully with open reduction and internal fixation using a miniplate and a consequent cessation of root growth and eruption failure of a mandibular canine present in the fixation area.