Undiagnosed intrusion of a lateral incisor following trauma

The need to account for teeth missing after a traumatic episode, and the need for radiologic methods of investigation of the oral, perioral, and respiratory areas into which teeth may lodge are discussed. A patient with undiagnosed traumatic intrusion of a lateral incisor is presented in whose case routine radiographic investigation before restorative treatment planning revealed the tooth in the maxilla. If such teeth are not removed, respiratory distress or abscess, or delayed healing may complicate recovery.