Prognosis of teeth in the line of mandibular fractures

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate teeth involved in the line of fracture, clinically and radiographically, and their associated complications so as to indicate if they should be managed conservatively or extracted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected from patients records treated of mandibular fractures. It was included pre and postoperative panoramic radiographs, information such as demographic data, age, and sex, fracture location, mobility, and vitality of teeth in the line of fracture, teeth stabilizing the fracture segment. RESULTS: The sample presented 25 patients with teeth in the line of mandibular fractures. A total of 16 patients teeth in the line of fracture were vital during the 6(th) week postoperative follow-up and 9 patients with their teeth in the line of fracture were nonvital of which 4 were endodontically treated and the rest 5 patients teeth in the line of fracture were extracted as they showed signs of infection. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the presence of teeth in the line of fracture is not a limiting factor for the treatment. Despite the risk of complications, tooth in the fracture line should be preserved for its merits. A regular clinical and radiological follow-up should be mandatory for at least a period of 1 year.