Separated Surgical Instrument During the Extraction of a Third Molar: A Case Report

Third molar extraction is among the most frequently performed procedures in oral surgery. The indications for extraction, such as dental caries, orthodontic considerations, periodontal disease, or associated pathology, vary between patients; consequently, the complications encountered can differ significantly. In this case report, we describe an uncommon complication involving the separation of a surgical bur during the extraction of a mandibular third molar. The patient underwent careful monitoring for three years, after which the retained instrument fragment was successfully retrieved under local anesthesia without any permanent nerve damage or additional complications. Careful use of sharp, well-maintained surgical bur and prompt replacement of dull burs can prevent complications such as instrument separation, while advanced imaging radiographs and risk-based planning guide safe retrieval of retained fragments.