RIGID FIXATION WITH TEETH IN THE LINE OF MANDIBULAR FRACTURES

The treatment results and the incidence of complications were evaluate d retrospectively in a group of 68 patients. They all had mandibular f ractures with a tooth in the line of fracture and were treated using m iniplates for fixation. The follow up ranged from 1 to 6 years (mean 2 .6 years) and 90 fracture sites were involved. Results showed that the incidence of complications when the tooth was extracted was higher (3 /12) than when it was left in place (8/78). With regard to both healin g of the fracture and fate of the tooth in the line of fracture, it is recommended to retain teeth in the line of fracture, unless there is an absolute indication for extraction. It is advisable to monitor the vitality of teeth adjacent to the fracture line for at least one year.