Ectopic third molar tooth on the infratemporal surface of maxilla

Abstract

Ectopic eruption of a tooth within the dentate region of the jaws is often noticed in clinical practice and is well documented in the literature but the ectopic eruption into the non dentate region is rare. Diverse anatomical locations such as nasal cavity, nasal septum, mandibular condyle, coronoid process, the palate and the maxillary sinus can infrequently be non dentate sites of ectopic eruptions of teeth. While conducting an anthropometric study on 100 skulls an incidental and interesting case of ectopic maxillary third molar tooth was found. The tooth was partially erupted with the unerupted part lying impacted in the posterior wall of maxilla. The case is reported and discussed for its significant clinical implications.