Ectopic third molar associated with a dentigerous cyst in the subcondylar region: report of case

Ectopic teeth with disparate migration: A literature review and new case series

Purpose

Ectopic eruption can be defined as the emergence of a tooth in an abnormal location, where the tooth does not follow its typical eruption pathway. While ectopic eruption within the dentate region is well-documented in the literature, ectopic eruption in non-dentate regions is relatively rare. This study aimed to report 6 cases of ectopic teeth and present a systematic review of the English-language literature on ectopic teeth, emphasizing demographic characteristics, radiographic features, potential complications, and treatment options.

Materials and Methods

A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. The demographic data and radiographic findings of patients presenting with ectopic teeth were recorded.

Results

The literature review yielded 61 cases of ectopic teeth, with patients ranging in age from 3 to 74 years. The findings from these previously reported cases demonstrated that the most common location for ectopic teeth was the maxillary sinus, which is consistent with this case series. The Pearson chi-square test was performed to evaluate the correlation between age and location of ectopic teeth, and the results were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant relationship was observed between sex and the location of ectopic teeth.

Conclusion

The distinct features of these cases warrant reporting. This study presents the first case of supernumerary teeth in the condyle without any associated pathosis. Another notable characteristic is the pre-eruptive resorption of 2 inverted supernumerary teeth ectopically located in the palate, which predisposes to sinus opacification.

Analysis of clinical characteristics and management of ectopic third molars in the mandibular jaw: a systematic review of clinical cases

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review of the characteristics of ectopic mandibular third molar (EMTM) in terms of its clinical presentation, radiographic findings, associated lesions, management and post-operative complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched the Pubmed, Medline, Embase and EBSCO databases for full-text, peer-reviewed journal publications from January 1965 to August 2020. Data extraction was done using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 45 case reports involving 48 EMTM teeth. The mean age of the patients was 46.3 years with an age range of 22-80 years. Thirty-two cases were seen in women as compared to 13 cases in men. The majority of the cases (42) were unilateral, with only three bilateral cases. Among the 48 EMTM teeth, 21 were seen in the condylar region followed by 13 in the ramus, seven in the sigmoid notch, three in the angle and two each in the coronoid process and the lower border of the mandible. Twenty-five EMTM teeth had histopathologically confirmed dentigerous cysts, eight teeth had chronic infection/inflammation/granulation tissue, two had radicular cysts, two had infected cysts, two teeth had normal follicular spaces, and associated lesions were not mentioned for nine teeth. The most common symptoms were swelling (33 teeth) and pain (29 teeth), and six teeth were asymptomatic. Surgical removal through intraoral approach was carried out for 27 teeth, while an extra-oral approach was adopted in 15 teeth, a spontaneous regression of the pericoronal radiolucency was noticed in one tooth, four teeth were not treated and choice of treatment was not mentioned for one tooth. Mild transient paraesthesia was frequently observed; however, serious post-surgical complications were not reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The present review found that EMTM can present with complex clinicopathological characteristics, with a majority of the cases being asymptomatic in the beginning and turning out to be symptomatic with lesions at later stages, requiring surgical intervention.

Management of Impacted Third Molars

Impacted third molars occur in a significant number of patients and often require treatment because of presence of symptoms and/or disease. Management of these teeth typically involves referral to oral and maxillofacial surgeons for diagnosis, treatment planning, and ultimate removal if indicated. Proper diagnosis and treatment planning helps optimize surgical results at each stage of the procedure, and ultimately patient outcomes. Adherence to proper surgical techniques helps minimize risks and complications associated with the procedure. Multiple alternative surgical techniques also exist for uncommon, but potentially complicated, situations that arise with some impacted third molars.

CBCT-based bone quality assessment in decompression of large odontogenic cystic lesions

OBJECTIVES

Bone quality comprises bone mineral density and trabecular microstructure. The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in evaluating bone quality of large odontogenic cystic lesions after decompression using CBCT and BoneJ software, and to determine whether secondary definitive surgery can be guided using CBCT data.

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients with large odontogenic cystic lesions treated by decompression were evaluated by CBCT. Medical history and perioperative details were analyzed.

RESULTS

The [Formula: see text]CT values for all patients with cystic lesions decreased after decompression, with no differences for age, sex, and histology (p > 0.05). Bone volume fraction and trabecular number of new cancellous bone (0.012%, 0.17/mm³) were lower than those of normal cancellous bone (0.189%, 0.47/mm³) (p < 0.05), while new cancellous bone trabecular separation (11.344 ± 2.556 mm) was stronger than normal cancellous bone trabecular separation (4.833 ± 2.232 mm) (p < 0.05). There were no differences in trabecular thickness between new cancellous bone (3.812 ± 1.593 mm) and normal cancellous bone (4.598 ± 3.573 mm) (p = 0.746). The [Formula: see text]CT values of five patients with favorable osteogenesis were - 72, -86, - 86, -47, and - 55, those of three patients with moderate osteogenesis were - 107, -120, and - 71, and those of two patients with poor osteogenesis were - 165 and - 127 during secondary definitive surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

CBCT is considered beneficial for evaluating bone quality of large odontogenic cystic lesions after decompression, while providing potentially useful information for referral to secondary definitive surgery.

Comprehensive analysis of ectopic mandibular third molar: a rare clinical entity revisited

Background

Ectopic mandibular third molar is a rare clinical entity with incompletely known etiology. Here, we sought to delineate its epidemiological, clinical and radiographic characteristics, and therapy by integrating and analyzing the cases treated in our institution together with previously reported cases.

Method

A new definition and classification for ectopic mandibular third molar was proposed based on its anatomic location on panoramic images. Thirty-eight ectopic mandibular third molars in 37 patients and 51 teeth in 49 patients were identified in our disease registry and from literature (1990–2016), respectively. These cases were further categorized and compared according to our classification protocol. The demographic, clinicopathological and radiographic data were collected and analyzed.

Results

These ectopic teeth were categorized into four levels, 33 in level I(upper ramus), 32 in level II (middle ramus), 15 in level III (mandibular angle) and 9 in level IV (mandibular body). The common clinical presentations included pain, swelling and limited mouth opening, although sometimes asymptomatic. Most teeth were associated with pathological lesions. Treatments included clinical monitor and surgical removal by intra- or extraoral approach with favorable outcomes. Clinical presentations and treatment options for these teeth were significantly associated with their ectopic locations as we classified.

Conclusions

Ectopic mandibular third molars are usually found in patients with middle ages and in upper and middle ramus of mandible. Surgery is preferred to remove these ectopic teeth and associated pathologies when possible.

Ectopic Molar Removal from the Ramus/Condyle Unit: A Minimally Invasive Approach

Ectopic molars within the mandibular ramus/condyle unit, although rare, present a unique challenge to the surgeon. Multiple approaches have been described in the literature for their removal. A review of the English literature on the subject of mandibular ectopic molars and their epidemiology, etiology, indications for removal, and surgical techniques was completed. In addition, a case report is presented of an ectopic mandibular molar in the mid-ramus region which was removed via a minimally invasive, intraoral, technique combining the use of endoscopy and piezoelectric surgery. The authors advocate this technique as it offers the following advantages: avoidance of injury to branches of the facial nerve, unaesthetic scars, and sialocele formation; maximization of surgical field visualization with limited dissection; ability for safe sectioning of the tooth with minimal risks to adjacent structures; and precise bone removal, reducing the risk of iatrogenic or postoperative mandible fracture.

Benign Jaw Lesions

There are both odontogenic and nonodontogenic benign lesions in the maxilla and mandible. These lesions may have similar imaging features, and the key radiographic features are presented to help the clinician narrow the differential diagnosis and plan patient treatment. Both intraoral and panoramic radiographs and advanced imaging features are useful in assessing the benign lesions of the jaws. The location, margins, internal contents, and effects of the lesions on adjacent structures are important features in diagnosing the lesions.

Ectopic third molar in the mandibular sigmoid notch: Report of a case and literature review

Purpose: To evaluate the etiopathogenesis, clinical features and surgical approaches for removal of ectopic third molars in the mandible. Methods: We report a case of an impacted mandibular third molar dislocated on mandibular sigmoid notch. 20 cases of ectopic mandibular third molars reported in the English-language literature, identified from Pubmed and Medline databases are also reviewed. Results: Among the 20 article reported in the presented study, ectopic third molars were generally located in the condylar region. The common symptoms of the clinical examination were pain, trismus, swelling, temporomandibular joint syndroms or no symptoms. Conclusions: Ectopic third molar may be asymptomatic initially with clinical manifestations, later on as adjacent structures are affected. The surgical approach must be carefully planned for the aim of choosing the more conservative technique that produces the minimum trauma to patients.

Key words:Ectopic third molar, sigmoid notch, cyst.

Surgical extraction of mandibular third molar in pterygomandibular space: a case report

Impacted mandibular third molars are located between the second mandibular molar and mandibular ramus. However, ectopic mandibular third molars with heterotopic positions are reported in the subcondylar or pterygomandibular space. The usual cause of malposition is a cyst or tumor, and malposition without a pathology is rare. This case report described an impacted mandibular third molar in the pterygomandibular space without any associated pathology.

Parotid fistula--an extra-orally draining infected dentigerous cyst associated with a supernumerary fourth molar in ascending ramus

An infected cyst, associated with a supernumerary fourth molar in the ascending ramus of the mandible, presented with parotid swelling, trismus and pain. It was managed as a parotid infection but recurred and a draining pre-auricular sinus developed, which was thought to be a parotid fistula. This was managed by cautery, followed by excision of the fistula, both of which were unsuccessful. Following this, further investigations revealed that the cause of the facial sinus was in fact a cyst associated with a mandibular fourth molar in the posterior ascending ramus. The tooth was extracted, via a pre-auricular extra-oral approach, under general anaesthetic.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This case shows how a dental panoramic radiograph can be extremely helpful at ruling out certain pathology. It also demonstrates how the symptoms of an infection arising from a tooth in the ramus may be misdiagnosed as salivary gland pathology.

Mandibular third molar impaction: review of literature and a proposal of a classification

Objectives

The purpose of present article was to review impacted mandibular third molar aetiology, clinical anatomy, radiologic examination, surgical treatment and possible complications, as well as to create new mandibular third molar impaction and extraction difficulty degree classification based on anatomical and radiologic findings and literature review results.

Material and Methods

Literature was selected through a search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane electronic databases. The keywords used for search were mandibular third molar, impacted mandibular third molar, inferior alveolar nerve injury third molar, lingual nerve injury third molar. The search was restricted to English language articles, published from 1976 to April 2013. Additionally, a manual search in the major anatomy and oral surgery journals and books was performed. The publications there selected by including clinical and human anatomy studies.

Results

In total 75 literature sources were obtained and reviewed. Impacted mandibular third molar aetiology, clinical anatomy, radiographic examination, surgical extraction of and possible complications, classifications and risk factors were discussed. New mandibular third molar impaction and extraction difficulty degree classification based on anatomical and radiologic findings and literature review results was proposed.

Conclusions

The classification proposed here based on anatomical and radiological impacted mandibular third molar features is promising to be a helpful tool for impacted tooth assessment as well as for planning for surgical operation. Further clinical studies should be conducted for new classification validation and reliability evaluation.

Ectopic third molar in the mandibular condyle: a review of the literature

Objectives: To evaluate the etiopathogenesis, clinical features, therapeutic options, and surgical approaches for removal of ectopic third molars in the mandibular condyle. Study design: MEDLINE search of articles published on ectopic third molars in the mandibular condyle from 1980 to 2011. 14 well-documented clinical cases from the literature were evaluated together with a new clinical case provided by the authors, representing a sample of 15 patients. Results: We found a mean age at diagnosis of 48.6 years and a higher prevalence in women. In 14 patients, associated radiolucent lesions were diagnosed on radiographic studies and confirmed histopathologically as odontogenic cysts. Clinical symptoms were pain and swelling in the jaw or preauricular region, trismus, difficulty chewing, cutaneous fistula and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Treatment included conservative management in one case and in the other cases, surgical removal by intra- or extraoral approaches, the latter being the most common approach carried out. In most reported cases, serious complications were not outlined. Conclusions: The etiopathogenic theory involving odontogenic cysts in the displacement of third molars to the mandibular condyle seems to be the most relevant. They must be removed if they cause symptoms or are associated with cystic pathology. The surgical route must be planned according to the location and position of the ectopic third molar, and the possible morbidity associated with surgery.

Key words:Third molar, ectopic tooth, condyle, mandible.

Ectopic mandibular third molar in subcondylar region: report of a rare case

BACKGROUND

A tooth is ectopic if it is malpositioned due to congenital factors or displaced by the presence of pathology. Recent literature review suggests only 14 cases of ectopic mandibular third molar in the condylar region. Most have been treated using an extra-oral or endoscopic approach. Patients with an ectopic tooth impaction can remain asymptomatic over the course of their lifetime. But when such a tooth is accompanied by a cyst, patients can experience significant morbidity and require intervention.

CASE REPORT

This report presents a case of ectopic mandibular third molar in the left subcondylar region associated with pain and trismus.

DISCUSSION

Ectopic eruption of teeth is rare and reported in the mandibular condyle, coronoid process, orbit, palate, nasal cavity, nasal septum, chin and the maxillary antrum. Management of such cases should be meticulously planned on the basis of the position and type of the ectopic tooth and related potential trauma which could be caused by surgical intervention.

Ectopic mandibular third molar in subcondylar region: report of a rare case

BACKGROUND

A tooth is ectopic if it is malpositioned due to congenital factors or displaced by the presence of pathology. Recent literature review suggests only 14 cases of ectopic mandibular third molar in the condylar region. Most have been treated using an extra-oral or endoscopic approach. Patients with an ectopic tooth impaction can remain asymptomatic over the course of their lifetime. But when such a tooth is accompanied by a cyst, patients can experience significant morbidity and require intervention.

CASE REPORT

This report presents a case of ectopic mandibular third molar in the left subcondylar region associated with pain and trismus.

DISCUSSION

Ectopic eruption of teeth is rare and reported in the mandibular condyle, coronoid process, orbit, palate, nasal cavity, nasal septum, chin and the maxillary antrum. Management of such cases should be meticulously planned on the basis of the position and type of the ectopic tooth and related potential trauma which could be caused by surgical intervention.

Surgical approach to impacted mandibular third molars--operative classification

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study is to suggest a convenient way to classify the position of the impacted third mandibular molar relative to the mandibular canal and to suggest indications for the use of each surgical approach for mandibular third molar extraction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The presented new typing system, Third Molar Classification (TMC), is a simple and easy-to-apply method for the surgical management of mandibular third molars and can be extended for any ectopic or impacted mandibular tooth. There are 3 major types of third molar positions. The second type is subdivided further into 2 subtypes. In the present study, 9 patients with high-risk mandibular third molars were treated according to the present classification and are presented and discussed. Patients typed as TMC IIb were treated with a sagittal split osteotomy approach and patients typed as TMC III were treated with an extraoral approach.

RESULTS

The operative classification was successfully implemented in very rare cases of deeply impacted mandibular third molars. In 3 of 9 cases (33%) minor complications included some degree of hypoesthesia using the extraoral approach; these complications resolved spontaneously without the need for any intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study describes the use of a new surgical classification system for treatment planning in all types of mandibular third molar extractions. We believe that the present classification could help the oral and maxillofacial surgeon in decision-making and limit the possible risks that are present when attempting to extract impacted mandibular third molars.

Intra-oral removal of ectopic third molar in the mandibular condyle

The surgical removal of impacted third molars is the most common procedure performed by maxillofacial surgeons. Only a few cases of ectopic third molars in the condyle have been reported. Most have been treated using an extra-oral or endoscopic approach. The management of this condition using an intra-oral approach (removal of this tooth and maintaining the anatomy of the condyle) is described in two case reports.

Ectopic third molar in condylar region

Inclusion of the third molar is relatively frequent in oral and maxillofacial surgery, but ectopic placement is quite rare. Only a few cases of third molar inclusion in the condyle region of the mandible have been reported. Presented here are two cases of ectopic location of a third molar in the condyle of the mandible. A description of the management of this pathology through open surgery and extraction of the molar is given, while preserving the anatomy of the condylar region.

Ectopic mandibular third molar in the ramus region: report of a case and literature review

OBJECTIVES

Ectopic mandibular third molar is a rare condition, and information is limited about its causes and characteristics. This article reports a case of ectopic mandibular third molar and reviews the literature on the clinical signs and symptoms and management of this condition.

STUDY DESIGN

We report a case of an impacted mandibular third molar dislocated high on the right side of the mandibular ramus. Thirteen cases of ectopic mandibular third molars reported in the English-language literature over the past 25 years, identified from Pubmed and Medline databases are also reviewed.

RESULTS

Among the 13 case reports identified, 10 occurred in women. Pain and swelling on the ispilateral side of the mandible or the preauricular region were the most common symptoms. Seven cases involved an ectopic mandibular third molar in the condylar or subcondylar region. Eight of the 11 cases included the description of a radiolucent image around the ectopic molar on the radiograph and described diagnosis of a dentigerous cyst. Seven of the ectopic third molars were extracted through intraoral access, and 3 were extracted through extraoral access.

CONCLUSIONS

The etiology of ectopic mandibular third molars has not yet been completely clarified. Annual follow-up visits with panoramic radiographs are required for patients with symptom-free highly aberrant wisdom teeth. Treatment should be carefully planned according to the position of the ectopic tooth and the potential for trauma caused by the surgery.

Using fenestration technique to treat a large dentigerous cyst

Dentigerous cysts are commonly encountered in the practice of dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery. Treatment modalities range from enucleation to marsupialization, and are based on the premise that the pathological process can be controlled locally with minimal injury to the adjacent host structures. In a child, however, loss of permanent tooth buds in the management of a large dentigerous cyst can be devastating. This article describes the technique of fenestration, which removes this entity and preserves the developing dentition.