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An unusual presentation of an ectopic third molar in the condylar region
Author(s) -
Pace C,
Holt D,
Payne M
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
australian dental journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.701
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1834-7819
pISSN - 0045-0421
DOI - 10.1111/j.1834-7819.2010.01243.x
Subject(s) - molar , presentation (obstetrics) , medicine , condyle , differential diagnosis , orthodontics , dentistry , surgery , pathology
We describe the case of a 53‐year‐old patient who presented with an intermittent discharging sinus on his face which, following a number of investigations, was found to be secondary to an ectopic third molar in the condylar region. The ectopic tooth was surgically removed with complete resolution of the facial swelling. This case highlights the possibility of dental pathology presenting with completely unrelated signs and symptoms, and the importance of the clinician maintaining an open mind when it comes to the differential diagnosis of such a presentation.