Surgical Removal of Orthodontic Mini-screw Accidentally Displaced Into the Pterygomandibular Space Via Intraoral Approach

Lee, Ga-Hyung; Yoo, Jeong-Hun; Kim, Hwi-Kang; Kim, Bong-Chul; Lim, Hun-Jun

J Korean Dent Assoc > Volume 59(2); 2021 > Article

CASE REPORT

The Journal of The Korean Dental Association 2021;59(2):95-100.
Published online January 31, 2021.

Surgical Removal of Orthodontic Mini-screw Accidentally Displaced Into the Pterygomandibular Space Via Intraoral Approach

Ga-Hyung Lee

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, Daejeon Dental Hospital, College of Dentistry, Wonkwang University

Correspondence: Hun-Jun Lim, Tel: +82-42-366-1130(clinic), Fax: +82-42-366-1115,
Email: hun216@gmail.com

Received: 10 August 2020 • Revised: 14 August 2020 • Accepted: 5 November 2020

Abstract

The mini-screw is widely used in orthodontic treatment for anchorage reinforcement. In mild skeletal Class III patient, retraction of mandibular dentition using mini-screw has been accepted as a reliable and stable treatment approach. In addition, the mini-screw placed in the retromolar area could be used for the uprighting of the lower molar. However, the placement of the mini-screw on the retromolar trigone or anterior ramus region need to be careful because of the possible risk of the “slippage” or “displacement”. Once the mini-screw is displaced to the fascial space such as pterygomandibular space, sub- mandibular space or lateral pharyngeal space, it is difficult to remove. In this case report, we present a mini-screw removal case via an intraoral approach that was displaced into the pterygomandibular space while placing the orthodontic mini-screw on the anterior margin of mandibular ramus.

Key Words: mini-screw; displaced; pterygomandibular space