Which of the following is a common complication that can arise from dental procedures affecting the mandible?

Osteomyelitis is a common complication that can arise from dental procedures affecting the mandible due to the anatomy and vascular supply of the area. The mandible is particularly susceptible to infection because of its blood supply and the presence of the mandibular canal, which can harbor bacteria if the bone is compromised during procedures like extractions or implant placements.

When bacteria enter the bone, typically through a surgical site, it can lead to osteomyelitis, which is an infection of the bone, resulting in pain, swelling, and potential systemic effects. This condition is especially relevant after procedures that involve manipulation of the mandible, as these types of interventions can disturb the periosteum and increase the risk of infection.

In contrast, complications such as maxillary sinus perforation are more often associated with maxillary procedures due to the proximity of the maxillary sinus to the upper jaw. Facial nerve damage, while a serious concern, is typically related more to surgical intervention in the posterior mandible or when removing upper wisdom teeth, and fractures of the zygomatic arch are usually secondary to trauma rather than procedural complications in the mandible. Thus, osteomyelitis stands out as a direct complication specifically related to the surgical management of the mandible, highlighting