[Surgical removal of an osteotribe fractured during the extraction of an embedded third molar. Clinical case].

Although rarely reported, the fracture of an osteotribe during the extraction of embedded lower third molars may have severe consequences on the surrounding anatomic structures possibly resulting in permanent damage to the patient. Operators must take special care when choosing instruments, which must comply with particular quality requisites, and during their use in order to avoid intraoperative accidents and subsequent complications. The authors describe a case that was brought to their attention in which the fragment of an osteotribe that had fractured during a previous operation was lodged in the submandibular fossa, penetrating the upper part of the homonymous gland. After the necessary clinical tests, the authors proceeded to remove the fragment thus leading to the resolution of the symptoms reported by the patient.