Cranial Maxillofac Trauma Reconstruction 2018; 11(01): 059-064
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1594275
Case Report
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Ectopic Molar Removal from the Ramus/Condyle Unit: A Minimally Invasive Approach

Gary A. Forgach
1  Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois
,
Stephen P.R. MacLeod
2  Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Medicine, Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

30 June 2016

02 September 2016

Publication Date:
03 January 2017 (eFirst)

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Abstract

Ectopic molars within the mandibular ramus/condyle unit, although rare, present a unique challenge to the surgeon. Multiple approaches have been described in the literature for their removal. A review of the English literature on the subject of mandibular ectopic molars and their epidemiology, etiology, indications for removal, and surgical techniques was completed. In addition, a case report is presented of an ectopic mandibular molar in the mid-ramus region which was removed via a minimally invasive, intraoral, technique combining the use of endoscopy and piezoelectric surgery. The authors advocate this technique as it offers the following advantages: avoidance of injury to branches of the facial nerve, unaesthetic scars, and sialocele formation; maximization of surgical field visualization with limited dissection; ability for safe sectioning of the tooth with minimal risks to adjacent structures; and precise bone removal, reducing the risk of iatrogenic or postoperative mandible fracture.

Keywords

ectopic molar - mandible - endoscopy - piezoelectric surgery - minimally invasive