Ectopic presence of tooth within the mandibular condyle

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders often present with pain and joint sounds.
• Radiographic imaging is crucial for diagnosing internal derangements and pathologies of the TMJ.
• Ectopic teeth, or teeth located outside their normal position, are uncommon but can occur in various craniofacial locations.

Observation:

• A 41-year-old female patient reported left TMJ crepitus and mild pain.
• Panoramic radiography revealed a radiopaque mass within the left mandibular condyle.
• Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) confirmed the presence of an ectopic tooth within the condyle.

Findings:

• The study identified an ectopic tooth centrally located within the mandibular condyle.
• This finding represents a rare occurrence of a supernumerary or displaced tooth within the TMJ's bony structure.
• The radiopaque nature of the ectopic tooth was clearly visualized on advanced imaging.

Implications:

• The mandibular condyle should be considered a potential site for ectopic teeth in the differential diagnosis of TMJ pathologies.
• Advanced imaging like CBCT is valuable for precise localization and characterization of intra-articular lesions.
• Understanding such rare presentations aids in accurate diagnosis and management of TMJ conditions.