Pulsatile hemorrhage posterior to the mandibular third molar due to abnormal branching of the inferior alveolar artery: A case report

Abstract

BackgroundThe retromolar canal and foramen posterior to the mandibular third molar are rare anatomical variants through which branches of the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle may pass.Case PresentationPulsatile hemorrhage occurred when the removal of a mandibular third molar and a surrounding cystic lesion was attempted in a 56‐year‐old woman. On imaging, well‐developed inferior alveolar artery branch was observed in the retromolar canal, and the facial artery could not be identified on the same side.ConclusionClinicians must be aware of this anatomical variant to avoid complications.