Ectopic teeth with disparate migration: A literature review and new case series

Abstract

Purpose: Ectopic eruption can be defined as the emergence of a tooth in an abnormal location, where the tooth does not follow its typical eruption pathway. While ectopic eruption within the dentate region is well-documented in the literature, ectopic eruption in non-dentate regions is relatively rare. This study aimed to report 6 cases of ectopic teeth and present a systematic review of the English-language literature on ectopic teeth, emphasizing demographic characteristics, radiographic features, potential complications, and treatment options.

Materials and methods: A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. The demographic data and radiographic findings of patients presenting with ectopic teeth were recorded.

Results: The literature review yielded 61 cases of ectopic teeth, with patients ranging in age from 3 to 74 years. The findings from these previously reported cases demonstrated that the most common location for ectopic teeth was the maxillary sinus, which is consistent with this case series. The Pearson chi-square test was performed to evaluate the correlation between age and location of ectopic teeth, and the results were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant relationship was observed between sex and the location of ectopic teeth.

Conclusion: The distinct features of these cases warrant reporting. This study presents the first case of supernumerary teeth in the condyle without any associated pathosis. Another notable characteristic is the pre-eruptive resorption of 2 inverted supernumerary teeth ectopically located in the palate, which predisposes to sinus opacification.

Keywords: Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Mandibular Condyle; Maxillary Sinus; Tooth Eruption, Ectopic.

Figure 1. Axial, coronal, and sagittal cone-beam computed tomographic images demonstrate an ectopic tooth in the superior portion of the left maxillary sinus.

Figure 2. Axial, coronal, and sagittal cone-beam computed tomographic images depict an ectopic left maxillary third molar buccal to the maxillary tuberosity.

Figure 3. Panoramic image reveals an ectopic supernumerary in the left mandibular condyle.

Figure 4. Axial and sagittal cone-beam computed tomographic images demonstrate an ectopic left maxillary third molar with a dilacerated root.

Figure 5. Axial and coronal cone-beam computed tomographic images depict 2 supernumerary ectopic teeth (circle) with a resorptive defect resorption (arrow).

Figure 6. Axial and sagittal cone-beam computed tomographic images demonstrate an ectopic tooth along the posterior aspect of the right maxillary sinus (circle).