Imaging Sci Dent.  2011 Sep;41(3):135-137. 10.5624/isd.2011.41.3.135.

Cone beam computed tomography findings of ectopic mandibular third molar in the mandibular condyle: report of a case

• Kim JS

• KMID: 1449959
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.2011.41.3.135

Abstract

Impaction of third molar is a common developmental abnormality. However, ectopic impaction of the mandibular third molar in condylar region is an extremely rare condition. This report describes a case of impacted tooth in the mandibular condyle without any associated pathologic condition. Also, this report presents the spatial relationship of the impacted mandibular third molar to the surrounding anatomic structures using cone beam computed tomography.

Keyword

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Tooth Eruption, Ectopic; Tooth, Impacted; Molar, Third

MeSH Terms

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Mandibular Condyle
Molar, Third
Tooth Eruption, Ectopic
Tooth, Impacted

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Panoramic radiograph shows the impacted tooth in the right mandibular condylar head.

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  Fig. 2 Coronal CBCT image shows the upward crown position of the impacted tooth. There is no cystic change around impacted tooth.

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  Fig. 3 Axial CBCT image shows the impacted tooth with the proximity to the front cortical bone and middle portion of the mandibular condyle.

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  Fig. 4 Sagittal CBCT image shows the fully developed impacted tooth with the proximity to the outer cortical bone of the mandible.

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  Fig. 5 Frontal view of 3-dimensional volumetric CBCT image shows the crown of the impacted tooth partially covered with bone.

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