Iatrogenically displaced third molar into the maxillary sinus

Presentation of an iatrogenically displaced third molar into the maxillary sinus in a 14-year-old patient successfully removed with an endoscopic approach: a case report and a review of the literature:

Abstract

Oral surgeons remove third molars (wisdom teeth) to prevent impaction. Given the close anatomical relationship to the maxillary sinus, perforation and displacement of third molars into the maxillary sinus is a well-known phenomenon that is typically removed with a buccal mucoperiosteal flap or through a Caldwell–Luc approach. However, a less invasive route of endoscopic removal has been utilized to success in one report. A literature review shows few reports of displaced molars into the maxillary sinus and no reported patient below the age of 18. A 14-year-old patient presented with a displaced third molar into her maxillary sinus following third molar extraction with her oral surgeon. The tooth was removed successfully, utilizing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) with a transition to transoral retrieval to prevent nasal trauma. This is the first reported case of displaced third molar into the right maxillary sinus in a pediatric patient that was removed via ESS.