Mandibular Fracture Subsequent to Canine Tooth extraction in Cats: minimizing risks and maximizing success

Canine tooth extraction is a procedure that is commonly performed in cats, but one that is fraught with potential complications. Among those complications are morbidity associated with prolonged anaesthesia, local tissue trauma, wound dehiscence, hemorrhage, nerve damage, loss of jaw structure and mandibular fracture. Risk factors for jaw fracture include tooth resorption and ankylosis, excessive alveoplasty, and improper extraction technique. Fractures typically occur through the alveolus but can also involve the mandibular symphysis. Proper case selection based on diagnostic imaging is important in preventing mandibular fractures during extraction, as is appropriate extraction technique. Mandibular fracture repair options include soft fixation with a muzzle, mandibular cerclage wiring, internal fixation, acrylic splinting.

Learning Objectives
Attendees will be able to:

1. review mandibular and dentoalveolar anatomy in the cat
2. understand the mechanism and common configuration of iatrogenic jaw fracture associated with canine tooth extraction in the cat
3. consider extraction techniques to make mandibular canine extraction easier, while decreasing the risk of iatrogenic complications
4. evaluate extraction-related mandibular fracture and
5. implement effective repair techniques