Process of ectopic tooth formation in the maxillary sinus: follow-up observation of one case

Abstract

Objective This study was performed to investigate the process of ectopic tooth formation. Methods A patient with an ectopic tooth was followed for 6 years. The tooth size and mineralization were evaluated by paranasal sinus computed tomography every 3 years. Results The ectopic tooth was present in the nasal crest of the maxilla and did not change significantly during the 6-year follow-up period. However, the patient developed a new ectopic tooth in the maxillary sinus (ETm). This tooth, located in the posterior wall of the left maxillary sinus, initially appeared as a small region of soft tissue on computed tomography. After 3 years, the area of mixed density had significantly increased, and some of it had significantly mineralized to form an ETm. After 6 years, the ETm had further mineralized and enlarged in situ. The width between the left and right sides of the ETm in 2018 (9.08 ± 2.09 mm) was significantly larger than that in 2015 (7.51 ± 2.18 mm), indicating that ETm formation is a gradual process of mineralization. Conclusion Ectopic teeth can gradually form by in situ mineralization after adolescence, suggesting that ectopic teeth are genetically regulated and result from a programmed formation process occurring at a specific time point.

Evaluation of Bilateral Maxillary Sinus Ectopic Teeth Using CT and Cinematic Rendering—A Case Report

“…CT has been widely used to diagnose ectopic teeth in the maxillary sinus because it can provide detailed information about the location and morphology of the ectopic tooth. In addition, CT allows evaluation of the surrounding anatomical structures, such as the sinus walls and adjacent teeth, in light of a possible surgical treatment, facilitating its planning [13].…”

Dental anomalies in non‐syndromic orofacial clefts: A clinical approach

“…Ectopic teeth have been found at all ages, although their formation mechanism remains unclear. The etiology for ectopic teeth has been attributed: the presence of cysts and tumors, trauma, genetic, and embryological factors (Liu et al, 2019). Other authors classified as ectopic teeth those that are not in their proper position in the dental arch, and may be located buccally, lingually, or even mesial or distally, outside the dental arch (Sella Tunis et al, 2021).…”

Diagnostic Imaging in Veterinary Dental Practice

“…These findings were suggestive of an ectopic left maxillary canine tooth. 1 Cone-beam CT (CBCT; VIMAGO Imaginalis; Firenze) of the skull was performed (80 kV, 50 mA, and 0.2-mm slice thickness), and images were viewed with the use of specialized software (InVivo5; Anatomage). Findings on CT were consistent with those from dental radiography and demonstrated an elongated structure with peripheral mineral density and a radiolucent central cavity attributable to an odontodysplastic tooth (Figure 3).…”

“…5 Ectopic tooth is an uncommon condition with various prevalences based on the tooth type and the ectopic location. 1,6 Specifically, the intranasal location is an extremely rare condition in humans. 5 Etiologic factors are not clear and include persistent deciduous teeth, insufficient space for eruption, cleft lip and palate, trauma, and genetic predisposition.…”