Alveolar Fracture Caused by Tooth Extraction at Home

Abstract

Injuries to the teeth and surrounding structures are relatively common. Although traumatic injuries caused by falls or activities related to sports are widely discussed, the same cannot be said regarding accidents arising from non-professional extraction of primary teeth. The present study reports a 6-year-old male child who underwent mandibular alveolar bone fracture during non-professional extraction of his central lower left incisor at home, performed by his 30-year-old aunt. The root of the tooth was with an irregular physiological resorption, which acted as a lever component for the mechanical force applied, leading to bone fracture. Although not common, the possibility that dental roots with irregular resorption can act as a possible risk factor for accidents if the parents or guardians of children during the period of transitional dentition try to perform intentional extraction of primary teeth should be highlighted. Parents should always consult a professional, preferably a pediatric dentist, for monitoring this period of transitional dentition.