Alveolar process fractures can usually be treated by reduction and fixation
with an arch bar that must be maintained for approximately 6 weeks to provide
time for the fracture to heal.
As an alternative, open reduction and internal fixation may be used in
selected isolated alveolar fractures and mostly in those associated with more
severe mandibular fractures. Sufficient size of the teeth-bearing bone
fragments is required in order to position the miniplates and screws without
damaging the dental roots.
Tooth luxations and fractures are commonly associated. The teeth in the
fracture lines should be carefully assessed clinically and radiographically to
determine the need of extraction. Click
here for further information on treating teeth in the line of fracture.