Intraoral extraction of an ectopic mandibular third molar detected in the subcondylar region without a pathological cause: A case report and literature review.

PURPOSE: To present a case report on the presence of an ectopic mandibular third molar (EMTM), the surgical treatment, and outcome. CASE REPORT: A 63-year-old woman presented with right preauricular facial swelling, limited jaw function, and pain. Radiographic assessment demonstrated an EMTM positioned in the superoposterior aspect of the ramus. Radiographically, there was a bony tunnel extending from the third molar to distal of the second molar. The patient was treated by an intraoral approach on the medial aspect of the ramus for removal of the ectopic third molar, as well as the tissue in the bony tunnel. RESULTS: The patient healed uneventfully. The soft tissue in the bony canal was granulation tissue, and nerve function was preserved. A literature search of EMTMs was conducted identifying 17 reported cases. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional imaging in the management of EMTM can be beneficial in identifying position of the tooth, associated pathology, and identifying the position of neurovascular structures to aid in removal of the ectopic tooth.