Chronic osteomyelitis resulting from foreign body entrapment in the pediatric mandible presents unique challenges in diagnosis and management. Habitual insertion of objects into the oral cavity by children can lead to serious complications such as discharging sinuses and osteomyelitis. We present a case of a 12-year-old boy with extra-oral pus discharge originating from the mandible, ultimately traced to an embedded iron nail adjacent to a carious first molar. Radiographic imaging played a crucial role in diagnosis, revealing the foreign object and. Long-term follow-up showed successful healing with prompt treatment. Prevention through parent education, meticulous examination, and interdisciplinary collaboration are emphasized to avoid such complications.
Keywords: Carious tooth; Fomite injury; Foreign body; Mandible; Osteomyelitis; Pediatric mandible; Sinus.
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