Extraoral surgical removal of an ectopic impacted third molar of the mandible. Report of a case

Abstract

Intraoral approach for the removal of impacted third molars represents a common surgical procedure for the specialized clinician. However, in some cases such as ectopic third molars, extraoral surgical removal seems to be inevitable. We present a step by step case of a 56 year old woman with an ectopic third molar of the lower jaw along with a cystic lesion, which were surgically removed by a submandibular approach. Postoperative clinical course was uneventful and there were no signs of facial nerve paresis. In such cases, appropriate preoperative planning must be made based on careful study of radiographic imaging and clinical examination. The more conservative technique that would minimize adjacent anatomic structures risk should be the surgical technique of choice. Key words: Ectopic third molar, mandible, cyst, extraoral approach.

An Unusual Presentation of an Ectopic Mandibular Third Molar in the Condylar Region: A Case Report and Review of Literature

“…The extraoral approach[ 10 ] is used for ectopic third molars in the condylar region, providing better visibility and a lower risk of injury to adjacent structures. However, it also increases surgical morbidity, such as scarring and numbness.…”

Assessment of Differences in the Dimensions of Mandible Condyle Models in Fan- versus Cone-Beam Computer Tomography Acquisition

“…The last decade has seen widespread use of a new technique in the acquisition of tomographic images: cone-beam computed tomography. It is used in traumatology [7], orthognathic surgery [8], temporomandibular joint disorders [9], infections treatment [10], and tooth and cyst removal [11]. Radiological modality is an intriguing tool for treatment planning in implantologic treatment [12], prosthodontics [13], and orthodontic treatment [14], but it is not without its disadvantages [15].…”