Removal of a deeply impacted mandibular third molar through a sagittal split ramus osteotomy approach

We describe the case of a 48-year-old man who, after a 5-year history of recurrent infection and intermittent trismus associated with a deeply impacted lower right third molar tooth, presented to the accident and emergency department with severely limited mouth opening, extensive facial swelling and pyrexia. The lower right third molar was later removed successfully through a sagittal split ramus osteotomy approach. This case shows that the sagittal split osteotomy continues to have a valuable rote in the removal of deeply impacted tower third molars, particularly when they are in close proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve. (C) 2004 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.