# Rotary Instrument–Induced Soft Palatal Laceration During Dental Restorative Treatment: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A patient suffered a soft palate injury during dental treatment due to a high-speed tool, requiring surgical repair and leading to scarring.

## Contribution

This case report highlights a rare iatrogenic injury to the soft palate during dental restoration and emphasizes prevention strategies.

## Key findings

- A deep soft palatal laceration occurred from accidental contact with a high-speed rotary instrument during dental treatment.
- The injury required surgical repair but healed with fibrotic scarring and no functional impairment.
- The case underscores the need for careful soft tissue protection and monitoring during posterior dental procedures.

## Abstract

Iatrogenic soft tissue injuries are recognized complications of dental procedures, most commonly affecting the tongue, buccal mucosa, and gingiva. However, trauma involving posterior palatal structures remains rarely documented. This case report describes a deep soft palatal laceration sustained during posterior restorative dental treatment following accidental contact with a high-speed rotary instrument. The injury resulted in mucosal and muscular disruption requiring surgical repair, which was subsequently complicated by early suture dehiscence due to the high-mobility nature of the soft palate. Healing progressed by secondary intention, ultimately achieving complete mucosal re-epithelialization with residual fibrotic scarring but no functional impairment. This case highlights the vulnerability of posterior palatal tissues within confined operative fields and underscores the importance of meticulous soft tissue protection, operative control, and postoperative monitoring. Increased recognition of such complications may inform preventive strategies and guide future research on rotary instrument-related soft tissue injuries in restorative dentistry.