Ectopic tooth in maxillary sinus: Case series

Abstract

Ectopic eruption of a tooth within the dentate region of the jaws is often noticed in clinical practice and is well documented in the literature. But the ectopic eruption into the non dentate region is rare and scantly documented. The maxillary sinus is one such a non dentate region, apart from nasal septum, mandibular condyle, coronoid process and the palate, to accommodate such ectopic eruptions of teeth. Due to its rarity and lack of consensus over its management, the incidence deserves to be added to the literature and discussed. Early surgical intervention for removal of ectopic tooth along with enucleation of the associated cyst, if any, is the treatment of choice.

The First Case of Endoscopic Transnasal Removal of an Ectopic Molar Tooth from the Pterygomaxillary Fossa: A Low Morbidity Approach

“…In the literature, ectopic teeth in the MS have been associated with a variety of clinical manifestations, such as facial pain/headache, purulent nasal discharge, cheek edema/numbness, nasolacrimal duct obstruction/epiphora, and haemoptysis. [1][2][3][4]6,7 However, most patients are asymptomatic and ectopic teeth are discovered on routine dental radiographic examinations. [1][2][3][4] Further imaging techniques, such as maxillo-facial CT scan without contrast, are usually required to confirm the exact localization of the ectopic tooth and perform an appropriate treatment planning.…”

“…[1][2][3][4]6,7 However, most patients are asymptomatic and ectopic teeth are discovered on routine dental radiographic examinations. [1][2][3][4] Further imaging techniques, such as maxillo-facial CT scan without contrast, are usually required to confirm the exact localization of the ectopic tooth and perform an appropriate treatment planning. 3,6,7 Caldwell-Luc approach is the traditional procedure performed to attain direct view into the MS and remove ectopic teeth from the sinus.…”

“…In particular, abnormal interactions between the oral epithelium and the underlying mesenchymal tissue during development may potentially result in ectopic tooth development and eruption. [1][2][3][4]6,7 Ectopic teeth in the MS may be permanent, deciduous, or supernumerary, with third molars being the most common ectopic dental elements in the MS. 6 As to ectopic molar tooth in the PF, to our knowledge, no other case has been reported so far in the literature.…”

“…[1][2][3][4] The causes of eruption of a tooth into the maxillary sinus are still unclear. However, some clinical conditions are suspected to be involved, such as developmental disturbances (cleft palate), displacement of teeth by trauma, interventions or cyst, infection, genetic factors, crowding, and dense bone.…”

“…However, some clinical conditions are suspected to be involved, such as developmental disturbances (cleft palate), displacement of teeth by trauma, interventions or cyst, infection, genetic factors, crowding, and dense bone. [1][2][3] Caldwell-Luc approach, traditionally performed to remove foreign bodies and ectopic teeth from the sinus, may have several side effects and complications (facial pain, teeth sensory impairment or injury, cheek edema, infraorbital nerve numbness and neuralgias, maxillary hematoma/sinusitis, maxillary wall weakness, etc). 4,5 In this paper, we report the case of a young woman suffering from maxillary facial pain and swelling due to an ectopic molar tooth in the PF and related maxillary sinusitis.…”