Endoscopic Removal of an Ectopic Third Molar Obstructing the Osteomeatal Complex

Abstract

We report a rare case of an ectop ic third molar at the level ofthe osteo niea tal comp lex. A 2 1-year-old man came to us with a left-sided nasal obs truction of 2 years' duration. Comp uted tom ograph y ofthe pa ran asal sinuses reve aled that an aberrant tooth was obstructing the osteotnea tal comp lex and bulging into the ethmo id infundibulum. Opa city of the entire left maxillar y sinus indicated the presence ofan asso ciated cys tic fo rmation. A tran snasal endosco pi c sinus technique was emp loye d to create a large middle meatal antros tomy and to remove the tooth as well as the cystic contents and cys t wall. Path ologic analys is reveal ed that the cys t was denti gerous. Af ter recoveryfront surgery , the pati ent resumed nasal breathing. The endoscopic surg ica l approach used in this case caused less morbidity tha n do the more commo n methods (e.g., the Caldw ell-Luc p rocedure) of remov ing ectop ic teeth fro m the sinus.

Ectopic tooth in maxillary sinus: Case series

“…The endoscopic techniques are being used for removal of an intranasal ectopic tooth[17] obstructing nasal cavity and ectopic maxillary third molar obstructing osteomeatal complex. [18] Postoperative follow-up with radiographic examination at regular intervals is mandatory to rule out any recurrence.…”

Ectopic Eruption of a Maxillary Third Molar Tooth in the Maxillary Sinus: A Case Report

“…1, 8 Presumably, the etiologic factor is related to the type of tooth and its immediate anatomic environment. 6 In the present case the left upper third molar was absent from its normal position and was found in the left maxillary sinus.…”

“…4 The etiology of ectopic teeth is not always known. 6 Tooth development results from a complicated multi-step interaction between the oral epithelium and the underlying mesenchymal tissue. The series of complex tissue interactions that ensue result in the formation of mature teeth, each with a crown and root.…”

An Ectopic Unerupted Tooth in Maxillary Sinus

“…6 Hasbini A.S. & Ghafari J., reported a case of ectopic tooth in maxillary sinus obstructing osteomeatal complex which was removed endoscopically. 7 The removal of unerupted ectopic tooth in maxillary sinus required an unspecified anterior antrostomy , probably a Caldwell-Luc approach or a variation there of. 8 The Caldwell-Luc operation is the standard approach for removing teeth in the sinus.…”