Migration of a Fractured Dental Injection Needle Into the Submandibular Space After Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block Anesthesia: A Case Report

Background A fractured injection needle does not necessarily remain at its initial location. Case Presentation An 18‐year‐old man was referred 4 days after fracture of a 31‐gauge, 16‐mm injection needle that had been bent during infiltration anesthesia, straightened, and reused for inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia. CT revealed the fractured needle in the submandibular space, medial to the submandibular gland. The needle was removed under general anesthesia through an extraoral submandibular approach using a metal detector. Conclusion After needle fracture, the dental procedure should be stopped immediately, and rest, mouth‐opening restriction, and prompt referral are essential.