Ectopic tooth in maxillary sinus compressing the nasolacrimal canal: A case report

RATIONALE

Ectopic tooth is tooth erupting out of normal anatomical position. Ectopic tooth can occur in different positions, such as maxillary sinus and nasal cavity. In this article, we present a rare case of an ectopic tooth with a dentigerous cyst in the maxillary sinus compressing the nasolacrimal canal.

PATIENT CONCERNS

An 8-year-old girl presented with a 2-month history of spontaneous lacrimation in her right eye. When she wept, more tear shed from her right eye than that from the left one. Computed tomographic (CT) imaging showed a huge low-density image containing a tooth in the maxillary sinus in her right maxilla; the right nasolacrimal canal vanished due to the compression of the ectopic tooth.

DIAGNOSES

Ectopic tooth with dentigerous cyst of right maxilla, and obstruction of nasolacrimal duct.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent nasal endoscopic maxillary sinus cystectomy.

OUTCOMES

The patient recovered well after cystectomy and has been symptom-free.

LESSONS

The unique finding is that this is the first report about ectopic tooth compressing the nasolacrimal canal and inducing spontaneous lacrimation. Treatment: aspect: surgery under endoscope is a minimally invasive approach to ectopic tooth.

Kissing molars: report of three cases and new prospective on aetiopathogenetic theories

Kissing molars (KMs) is an extremely rare condition of impacted third molars, pointed in the opposite direction in a single follicular space; it consists exactly in a full impacted of permanent molars which occurs only in the lower jaw. Actually, about less than thirty cases have been reported in scientific literatures. The aetiology and pathogenesis of this pathological double dental inclusion remain unknown; above all events that lead two molars to appear, as KMs remain mysterious. The association to metabolic connective diseases such as mucopolysaccharidosis was emphasized. KMs considered as an isolated event, may be associated to an abnormal position of the tooth-bud from lower permanent molars, or fourth supernumerary tooth (distomolar). Recently, hyperplastic dental follicle (HDF), with a down regulation of matrix metal-proteinases and up regulation of several genes of collagens, has been mentioned in association with KMs. In this paper, after having analyzed three new cases of KMs that have been treated, we report a new hypothesis. This last is based on the failure in the dental follicle's ability to initiate or continue properly resorption of the overlying alveolar bone, by many exogenous factors which may act on eruptive phase that would lead to its rotation with its contents coming out a pathological situation of KMs. The therapy of choice is related to the surgical removal of KMs through a double odontectomy with transalveolar method. Other treatments can be, eventually, orthodontic therapy of the impacted teeth and a radiological follow-up without surgery.

Inflammatory dentigerous cyst of mandibular first premolar associated with endodontically treated primary first molar: a rare case report

AIM

Inflammatory dentigerous cysts usually occur in the mixed dentition. It has been reported that inflammatory lesions from the root area of a deciduous tooth bring about the development of dentigerous cysts around the unerupted permanent tooth bud. Endodontic treatment is a common and successful procedure for periapical inflammation in children. An inflammatory dentigerous cyst can occur in conjunction with endodontically treated primary tooth.

CASE REPORT

This article reports a case of 6 years and 6 months old boy, with a single, well-defined, unilocular, radiolucent area enclosing the first right unerupted mandibular premolar, accidentally discovered on the panoramic radiograph. The first right primary molar had received a root canal treatment 18 months prior. Clinical findings combined with radiographic and microscopic examinations confirmed the diagnosis of inflammatory dentigerous cyst. As treatment, enucleation of the cyst with removal of the involved permanent tooth was chosen and a removable partial denture was supplied to the patient after surgery. The 5-year follow-up revealed good healing of the bony lesion and displaced teeth.

CONCLUSION

This case presented a severe and rare complication of endodontically treated primary tooth, and the recommendation includes: (1) early diagnosis of dentigerous cysts, which is essential to prevent extensive treatment; (2) more information on the adverse side effects of an endodontic treatment should be given to patients and parents; (3) patients should be informed about the importance of follow-ups and radiographic follow-up should be routinised.

An idiosyncratic post-traumatic tetrad: compound odontome, dentigerous cyst, impaction, and double-dilaceration

OBJECTIVE

This report describes the case of a 13-year-old patient who experienced traumatic intrusion of the primary maxillary right central incisor and subsequently suffered an atypical tetrad, comprising of an unerupted compound odontoma associated with a dentigerous cyst, and an impacted, doubly dilacerated permanent maxillary right central incisor; however, the high interconnectivity of the occurrence of four pathologies together is unusual has not previously been reported.

SUMMARY

The pathologies were detected 7 years after trauma; surgical removal of odontome along with the dentigerous cyst was performed, followed by orthodontic extrusion of the impacted double-dilacerated permanent central incisor. The 18-month follow-up shows no pathology, no gingival recession, and normal probing depth.

[Large dentigerous cyst caused by retained tooth 25]

Follicular cysts are benign, non-inflammatory odontogenic cysts, usually painless and discovered during routine radiographic examination. The article describes a case of a large follicular cyst with retained tooth 25. Pantomographic x ray showed the presence of a large follicular cyst located on the side of the impacted 25 tooth. The cyst has been enucleated and the tooth extracted surgically with subsequent closure of oro-antral communication. After 3 months orthodontic treatment was initiated.

Endodontic therapy of a mandibular canine tooth with irreversible pulpitis secondary to dentigerous cyst

Dentigerous cysts are uncommon, yet are being reported with increasing frequency in the veterinary literature. Dentigerous cysts are a type of benign odontogenic cyst associated with impacted teeth, most commonly the mandibular first premolar tooth. Significant bone destruction can occur secondary to the expansion of a dentigerous cyst. The expanding cyst can lead to pathology of neighboring teeth, which can include external root resorption or pulpitis. Intraoral dental radiographs are imperative to properly assess the presence and extent of a dentigerous cyst, as well as the status of the neighboring teeth. This case report describes treatment for dentigerous cyst including cyst lining curettage, mandibular bone regeneration, and endodontic therapy for a canine tooth with irreversible pulpitis.

Dentigerous cyst of inflammatory origin

There is an association between persistent, prolonged inflammation of a primary tooth and the development of an inflammatory dentigerous cyst involving the succedaneous tooth. The purpose of this case report is to describe the management of an inflammatory dentigerous cyst of the permanent maxillary left central incisor in a nine-year-old boy caused by a long-term inflammation/infection of its predecessor. The treatment consisted of conservative decompression, which allowed for rapid healing and the eruption of the permanent tooth. The patient was followed up with periodic clinical and radiographic evaluations for several years.

[Dentigerous cyst in a pediatric patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia type 1]

OBJECTIVE

To report medical and surgical treatment in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia type 1 who developed a dangerous cyst.

CLINICAL CASE

A male of 8 years with acute lymphoblastic leukemia type 1, whose treatment was in induction. In one month, the patient presented a facial asymmetry due to mandibular growth and acute pain, hyperthermia and malaise. In the examination, we identified lip parestesia, a second temporal molar treated with chromium steel and expansion involving the cortical of the lateral permanent incisive until the first permanent molar was identified. Since we suspected of bone metastasis, we performed an orthopantomography. We established the diagnosis of dentigerous cyst. Enucleation, curettage, and extraction of decay teeth were done in order to avoid and prevent infectious sources.

CONCLUSIONS

The most frequent clinical manifestations of acute lymphoblastic leukemia are anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. This leukemia may be manifested also as infiltration of the jaw bone. In this case, the results showed no presence of bone metastasis. As a first step before to begin treatment, the physician ought to make sure that the patient is free of infectious processes anywhere that may influence the clinical development of leukemia. Due to the surgical intervention and to a successful bone marrow transplant, the patient is on remission.

Anomalous morphology of an ectopic tooth in the maxillary sinus on three-dimensional computed tomography images

We describe a case of an incidentally-diagnosed ectopic tooth showing anomalous morphology in the maxillary antrum, using three-dimensional reconstruction of computed tomography images of the tooth obtained by multi-detector computed tomography.

[Dentigerous cyst associated with a wisdom tooth in the maxillary sinus. Case reports, review of the literature]

Wisdom teeth are often impacted or in an ectopic position. One rather special localisation is the maxillary sinus. Usually these teeth are associated with dentigerous cysts, which can occupy the maxillary sinus partially or totally and can be the cause of various symptoms. We can find it at routine radiographic examination or the patient could have typical, sinus-related symptoms. This signs can be swelling, pain of the cheek, headeache and nasolacrimal obstruction. We report four cases (one of them detailed) with review of the literature where the upper wisdom tooth is situated in the maxillary sinus.

Trauma-induced dentigerous cyst involving the anterior maxilla

The dentigerous cyst is the most common developmental odontogenic cyst of the jaws. The purpose of this article was to report the case of a dentigerous cyst associated with a permanent maxillary central incisor in a 5-year-old boy who had suffered severe facial trauma at age 4. Panoramic and periapical radiographs revealed a well-defined radiolucent area with radiopaque borders surrounding the permanent maxillary left central incisor, causing displacement of the tooth buds of the permanent maxillary left lateral incisor and canine and root resorption of the deciduous maxillary left lateral incisor. Treatment was performed by aspiration and enucleation; the permanent maxillary left central incisor was part of the cyst and, thus, was also removed.

Dentigerous cyst associated with a formocresol pulpotomized deciduous molar

This report presents a case of dentigerous cyst associated with a formocresol pulpotomized deciduous molar detected during routine examination. Dentigerous cyst is an epithelial-lined developmental cavity that encloses the crown of an unerupted tooth at the cementoenamel junction. The present case describes a 9-year-old girl sent to the dental clinic by her dentist, who had accidentally discovered in the panoramic radiograph a single, unilocular, well-defined, radiolucent area enclosing the second left unerupted mandibular premolar. The second left primary molar had been pulpotomized 2 years before and buccal swelling without redness occurred near the tooth, evidencing bone expansion. Surgical treatment was carried out, the tooth was extracted, and a cystectomy was performed under local anesthesia in the dental office. The histological study confirmed the suspected diagnosis of dentigerous cyst. The relation between pulpotomy and dentigerous cysts is discussed.

Endoscopic removal of a dentigerous cyst producing unilateral maxillary sinus opacification on computed tomography

We report the case of a 14-year-old girl who was referred to us with a 2-year history of abnormal panoramic dental x-rays. Computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses demonstrated a left unilateral maxillary sinus opacification that had been produced by an ectopic molar. The tooth was removed via an endoscopic approach rather than with a traditional Caldwell-Luc procedure. A nasal endoscope was used to create a middle meatal antrostomy and deliver the tooth and its cystic contents. The patient recovered without complications, and she exhibited no signs of recurrence at the 2-year follow-up.

The oral manifestations of Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis VI): A case report

Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome is one of the genetic disorders involving disturbances in mucopolysaccharide metabolism resulting in increased storage of acid mucopolysaccharide in various tissues. The basic defect in Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome is a deficiency of arylsulfatase B, which leads to accumulation of dermatan sulfate in tissues and their urinary excretion. The deposition of mucopolysaccharides leads to a progressive disorder involving multiple organs that often results in death in the second decade of life. This disease, which has several oral and dental manifestations, is first diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings. A large head, short neck, corneal opacity, open mouth associated with an enlarged tongue, enlargement of skull, and a long antero-posterior dimension are the main characteristic features. Dental complications can be severe and include unerupted dentition, dentigerous cystlike follicles, malocclusions, condylar defects, and gingival hyperplasia. An 11-year-old boy with Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis type VI) is described in this article, with special emphasis on the oral manifestations.

X-linked hypophosphatemia: dental and histologic findings

The recurrent spontaneous formation of abscesses affecting multiple noncarious primary as well as permanent teeth is the principle clinical dental feature in cases of hypophosphatemia, a condition inherited through the X chromosome. Patients often have high pulp horns, large pulp chambers and dentinal clefts. We report a case of hypophosphatemic vitamin D-resistant rickets in a patient who reported to our department on multiple occasions with spontaneous abscesses in relation to his primary teeth. The aim of this article is to review the features of this disorder and to discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment options suggested in the literature.

Keeping your eye on the ball

Dentigerous cysts develop from unerupted and impacted permanent teeth. Very rarely, supernumerary teeth are associated with dentigerous cysts and constitute about 5-6% of all dentigerous cysts. Although these cysts are not common in the first decade of life, regular thorough inspection of radiographs is of importance, as indicated by this case report. This case shows how an impacted supernumerary canine developed a dentigerous cyst, engulfing the whole of the maxillary antrum.

Radiographic examination of mesiodens and their associated complications

OBJECTIVES

To examine mesiodens with regard to their status, their influence on adjacent teeth and their alteration during the follow-up period.

METHODS

From retrospective reviews of all patients who visited our institution from 1990-2001, we identified 200 patients (256 mesiodentes) who were shown to have mesiodentes on the basis of a periapical radiograph, a panoramic radiograph or an axial radiograph.

RESULTS

The number of supernumerary teeth was one in 146 cases (73%), two in 52 cases (26%) and three in 2 cases (1%). Of 256 mesiodentes, the direction of the crown of the mesiodens was inverted in 172 (67%), in a normal direction in 69 (27%) and in a horizontal direction with regard to the tooth axis in 15 (6%). Of the 147 mesiodentes for which axial radiography was performed, 131 (89%) were located at a palatal site against the dental arch, 16 (11%) overlapped the dental arch and none were at a labial site. Of our 200 cases, a delay of eruption of the permanent central incisor was seen in 12 (6%), malposition or rotation of the central incisor in 5 (2.5%) and dentigerous cyst formation arising from mesiodens in 22 (11%). Marked movement of the mesiodens was seen in 10 cases during the follow-up period of 5-7 years. Some complication arising from mesiodens was seen in 19.5% of all cases in our research.

CONCLUSION

Although mesiodentes are not caused by malocclusion, they may cause it. A long period of impaction of mesiodentes may bring about dentigerous cyst formation or movement of the mesiodentes.

Upper lip swelling caused by a large dentigerous cyst

Swelling of the upper lip can result from various diseases such as salivary tumors, infectious and inflammatory diseases and cysts. Among the latter, dentigerous cysts, typically involving unerupted teeth, are sometimes associated with supernumerary teeth in the maxillary anterior incisors region called the mesiodens. We report an unusual case of a large dentigerous cyst associated with an impacted mesiodens in a 42-year-old male who presented with a slow-growing swelling in the upper lip.

The histology of adamantinoma

Images

Oro-dental manifestations of the Schwartz-Jampel syndrome

A boy with the Schwartz-Jampel syndrome (chondrodystrophic myotonia) had a number of oro-dental complications. These included difficulty in tooth extraction and orthodontic care due to a small oral aperture and rigidity of the temporo-mandibular joints. General anaesthesia was hazardous because of a propensity to malignant hyperthermia, and endotracheal intubation was difficult because of shortness and rigidity of the neck and the small size of the laryngeal structures. Awareness of these potential problems is crucial for anaesthesia and comprehensive dental management. The radiological demonstration of dentigerous cysts is a hitherto unreported observation in this disorder.

Dentigerous cyst associated with an upper permanent central incisor: case report and literature review

Traumas to deciduous teeth may have severe consequences. This article addresses a dentigerous cyst case report associated with an upper permanent incisor, unusual site of occurrence, which was impacted and dislodged from its natural site of eruption after trauma at the deciduous predecessor. The main aspects of etiopathology and its clinical characteristics are also discussed, with special focus on the radiographic features of the diagnosis in order to allow for an accurate surgical planning.

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

An impacted third molar in the subcondylar region is extremely rare. This case report describes an impacted mandibular third molar in the subcondylar region associated with a dentigerous cyst.

Spontaneous regression of bilateral dentigerous cysts associated with impacted mandibular third molars

A case is described where a routine panoramic radiograph revealed radiolucencies, compatible with dentigerous cysts, associated with the crowns of bilateral impacted lower third molars. Both cysts had regressed in a follow up radiograph three years later with no intervention. This is the first reported case of spontaneous regression of bilateral dentigerous cysts.

Lowe syndrome: case report

Lowe syndrome is a genetic multi-system disorder affecting the central nervous system, lens and kidney. In this report, constricted palate, multiple eruption cysts and hematomas as the oral findings of a child diagnosed with Lowe syndrome is presented.

Odontogenic cysts related to pulpotomized deciduous molars: clinical features and treatment outcome

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the morbidity and outcomes associated with large cysts that developed in conjunction with pulpotomized deciduous molars.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective study was based on the files of 18 patients who were referred to 2 oral surgery departments during a 10-year period (1986-1996). The inclusion criteria were large cyst lesions (>1 cm in diameter) and complete documentation. Data regarding symptoms at presentation, histologic and radiologic features, treatment modalities, morbidity, and outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

An equal gender distribution of patients was found, as were a later development in males (12+/-2 years in boys, 9+/-2 years in girls) and a 5:1 ratio favoring the mandible over the maxilla. Treatment included enucleation (12 patients) and marsupialization (6 patients). The morbidity was high and included loss of permanent teeth (3 patients), extensive loss of alveolar bone (3 patients), use of flaps (2 patients), and adjuvant orthodontic treatment (9 patients).

CONCLUSION

Failure of early detection and treatment of cysts that develop in conjunction with pulpotomized deciduous molars can cause considerable morbidity. Therefore, periodic clinical and radiologic follow-up until the eruption of succedaneous teeth is recommended.

Dentigerous cyst of mandibular second premolar in a five-year-old girl, related to a non-vital primary molar removed one year earlier: a case report

A dentigerous cyst of the mandibular second premolar in a 5-year-old female was radiographically diagnosed. A non-vital primary predecessor molar had been removed a year earlier. At that time, the primary molar had been in the mouth for approximately two years. Although there was the possibility of the premolar being non-vital, as a consequence of the cystic cavity surrounding it, marsupialization treatment of the cyst was done, causing a rapid development of the premolar. Structural irregularities in the enamel and in the first radicular portion were visible, possibly caused by the very early beginning of the cyst formation.

Marsupialization of dentigerous cyst associated with foreign body using 3D CT images: a case report

This paper documents a marsupialized dentigerous cyst associated with an amalgam. The surgical challenge was removing the amalgam from the cystic lining with zero visibility. To achieve this, the surgical procedure was computer assisted and used 3D images. Distances between the amalgam and various anatomical landmarks were assessed in order to define a path from the top of the ridge to the amalgam. The path was reconstructed at the surgical site and the amalgam removed by suction. Orthodontic treatment was associated with surgery. Three dimensional imaging is a useful procedure for deciding on the type of surgical technique likely to minimize trauma. This report is also a contribution to the literature by reporting two dentigerous cysts associated with amalgam.

The likelihood of finding occult histopathology in routine third molar extractions

Patients had their third molars extracted for reasons unrelated to concerns about the presence of pathologic entities. The preoperative differential diagnosis for a pericoronal radiolucent lesion was hyperplastic follicle, dentigerous cyst, odontogenic keratocyst, and remotely, ameloblastoma. The study involved 42 patients with 101 bony or soft tissue impacted teeth. The most significant microscopic histopathology observed was dentigerous cysts. Of the 101 teeth evaluated, 46 (45.5 percent) were dentigerous cysts. The male to female ratio was 1:1, and the average age was 23.3 years. Frequently, a pericoronal radiolucent width of 2.0 mm on the pantomograph is associated with the presence of microscopic histopathology. The range of widths of the radiolucency associated with the dentigerous cysts in the present was 0.1 to 3.0 mm with 33 (72 percent) displaying a radiolucent widths of 1.0 mm. In the present study, dentigerous cysts were frequently observed, and aggressive histopathologic entities were not identified.

Cyst-like lesion of a developing tooth induced by mandibular fracture

A dentigerous cyst-like formation in the lower canine region caused by mandibular fracture in a 10-year-old boy is reported. His medical history revealed that he had been unconscious for about 2 weeks after traumatic head injuries sustained in a traffic accident, and a complicated mandibular fracture had been left untreated until his dentist diagnosed the lesion. Eleven months after trauma, a dentigerous cyst measuring 20 mm in diameter was found in the fracture area. The lesion was enucleated and the boy's postoperative recovery was uneventful. The mass completely enveloped the developing canine, and epithelial cells proliferated into the connective tissue. However, there was no distinct epithelial lining. Small round cell infiltrations and several vessels with thrombosis were noted in the cyst wall. The cause of cyst formation was considered to be infection of the canine tooth bud and the surrounding soft tissue.

New developments in selected cysts of the jaws

The number and variety of cysts that occur in the jaws are greater than those in any other part of the body. Consequently, dental practitioners must keep up with advances in this field, including the definition of new entities, such as the glandular odontogenic cyst; the deletion of the old incorrect concept of maxillofacial fissural cysts, including the globulo-maxillary cyst; and the advances in the molecular biology of established cysts, such as the dentigerous cyst and the odontogenic keratocyst.

Kinky hair disease with multiple eruption cysts: a case report

A rare case of kinky hair disease with multiple eruption cysts is described. Dental abnormalities include eruption cysts, delayed tooth eruption, prognathia, open bite, generalized gingival swelling, and high arched palate.

Two dentigerous cysts in the mandible of one patient. Case report

This paper reports a case of two separate dentigerous cysts in the mandible of one patient. An unusual feature was the relationship of one of the cysts to an unerupted lateral incisor. The prudence of accounting for any missing teeth in patients and the value of panoramic radiographic screening is illustrated.

Case report. Spontaneous regression of a radiolucency associated with an ectopic mandibular third molar

A dentigerous cyst is the most common cause of a pericoronal radiolucency involving an impacted mandibular third molar. Spontaneous regression of such a lucency is reported in a patient who failed to attend for surgical enucleation. Factors promoting bony healing of cysts are discussed with reference to previous case reports.

Dentigerous cyst with inflammatory etiology from a deciduous predecessor--report of a case

Dentigerous cysts arising from overlying infected predecessor teeth are very rare. This report describes one such case where extraction of the infected deciduous tooth with marsupialization led to the eruption of the premolar. Periodic radiographic evaluation is required to note and prevent recurrence and other serious complications arising from these cysts.

Dentigerous cysts of inflammatory origin. A clinicopathologic study

The exact histogenesis of dentigerous cysts remains unknown, but most authors favor a developmental origin from the tooth follicle. The aim of this article is to report a series of 15 dentigerous cysts that we believe to be of inflammatory origin. These inflammatory dentigerous cysts occurred in the first and early part of the second decades of life. Males were affected more frequently, and there did not appear to be any racial predilection. All of the cases involved permanent teeth: premolars in nine cases, canines in four cases, and second molars in two cases. The mandible was affected twice as frequently as the maxilla. In 13 cases, nonvital grossly carious or heavily restored deciduous teeth were associated with the cysts. Some of these teeth had been extracted before the cysts were diagnosed. In the remaining two cases, both of which involved the second permanent molars, there were no nonvital deciduous teeth, however both had concomitant proliferative periostitis. All of the cysts were moderately or intensely inflamed and were lined predominantly or entirely by nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium that in some cases was markedly hyperplastic and exhibited anastomosing rete ridges mimicking radicular cysts. In the majority of cases, parts of the cysts were lined with a 2 to 3 cell layer thick cuboidal epithelium that we believe was derived from reduced enamel epithelium. Rests of odontogenic epithelium frequently were evident in the cyst walls. We suggest that these cysts arose as a result of periapical inflammation from any source but usually from a nonvital deciduous tooth and spreading to involve the follicles of the unerupted permanent successors. The inflammatory exudate causes separation of the reduced enamel epithelium from the enamel with resultant cyst formation. This study proposes the existence of two types of dentigerous cysts: one developmental and the other inflammatory in nature.

Identifying a deciduous dentigerous cyst

While the dentigerous cyst is not uncommon, its development as a result of an impacted deciduous tooth is rare. According to the authors' search, this case is only the fifth of its type reported in the dental literature. The authors review the presentation and treatment of a deciduous dentigerous cyst.

Dentigerous cyst: report of an unusual case

A case of dentigerous cyst in the maxillary sinus of a 16-year-old boy is reported due to its unusual presentation and extensive nature.

Infections in elderly patients associated with impacted third molars

The objective of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics of infections caused by impacted third molars in elderly persons. Infectious disorders (26 pericoronitis, 8 secondarily infected dentigerous cysts, 4 perimandibular abscesses with limited osteomyelitis, 2 chronic mandibular osteomyelitis, and 1 odontogenic skin fistula) associated with the impacted third molars impacted third molars were clinically investigated in 41 patients over 60 years of age. Twenty-nine causative teeth were located in the mandibular angle and nine in the ramus; the three remaining lesions (two cysts one pericoronitis) were associated with the maxillary third molar. Bone resorption was noted in most patients, and this caused the originally embedded tooth to become exposed intraorally. It was concluded that oral infection in elder persons are occasionally caused by retained impacted third molars with overlapping of other factors.