Unilateral trifid mandibular condyle: a case report

Trifid mandibular condyle is an exceptionally rare entity, diagnosed accidentally on radiographic examination. Its etiology is controversial. Dental professionals should have knowledge of this anatomic abnormality and of the problems caused by it in normal function, as well as appropriate treatment modalities. In the literature, only three such cases have been reported. The current case report (the fourth reported) is of a unilateral trifid condyle reported in a 37-year-old woman seeking treatment for a missing tooth. A panoramic radiograph accidentally revealed a discrete modification of the right mandibular condyle. Computed tomography (CT) with 3-D construction was done to confirm the diagnosis.