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

Abstract

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.