Endoscopic removal of ectopic dentition in ethmoid sinus

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
• Dental Implantation

Background:

• Unilateral sinusitis symptoms, including nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea, can be refractory to standard medical treatments.
• A history of dental procedures, such as implantation for unerupted teeth, may be relevant in complex sinonasal cases.
• Ectopic dentition, or teeth located outside the dental arch, can present as an unusual cause of sinonasal pathology.

Observation:

• A 66-year-old female presented with a 6-month history of right-sided nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea.
• Physical examination revealed yellow debris in the right middle meatus.
• CT imaging showed a radiopaque lesion in the right anterior ethmoid sinus, consistent with an unerupted tooth.

Findings:

• Endoscopic removal of an unerupted tooth from the right nasal cavity was successfully performed.
• The patient experienced no complications following the surgical intervention.
• Histopathological examination confirmed the nature of the ectopic dental tissue.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of a thorough dental history in patients with chronic or recurrent unilateral sinusitis.
• Ectopic dentition should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sinonasal masses and persistent sinusitis.
• Endoscopic sinus surgery is a viable approach for removing ectopic teeth causing sinonasal symptoms.