Use of Computer-Assisted Navigation in the Retrieval of Accidentally Displaced Third Molars

• Published in: Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery Vol. 74; no. 5; pp. 889 - 894
• Main Authors: Guo, Yi, DDS, Xu, Dong-Dong, DDS, Lv, Kun, DDS, MD, PhD, Wan, Qi-Long, DDS, MD, PhD, Li, Zu-Bing, DDS, MD, PhD, Li, Zhi, DDS, MD, PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.05.2016
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Dentistry; Female; Humans; Male; Molar, Third - diagnostic imaging; Molar, Third - surgery; Surgery; Surgery, Computer-Assisted - methods; Tooth Extraction - adverse effects; Tooth Extraction - methods; Tooth Root - diagnostic imaging; Tooth Root - surgery; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0278-2391; 1531-5053
• DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2015.12.015

Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the application of computer-assisted navigation for the retrieval of accidentally displaced mandibular third molars. Patients and Methods All patients identified as having an accidentally displaced mandibular third molar or root fragment and presented to the authors' department from April 2013 through June 2015 were included in this prospective study. Retrieval of the displaced molar was performed in these patients under the guidance of computer-assisted navigation, in which a registered forceps was used to clamp and retrieve the molar. Postoperative complications were assessed for all patients. Results Twelve patients were included in this case series. Using computer-assisted navigation, the operation proceeded successfully in all patients. These patients displayed uneventful healing without postoperative complications. Conclusion Computer-assisted navigation is a safe, straightforward, and minimally invasive treatment method that can be applied for the retrieval of accidentally displaced third molars. It is recommended as an intraoperative tool for the retrieval of teeth or tooth fragments displaced into areas that are difficult to access.