title: An unusual presentation of an ectopic third molar in the condylar region.
abstract: We describe the case of a 53-year-old patient who presented with an intermittent discharging sinus on his face which, following a number of investigations, was found to be secondary to an ectopic third molar in the condylar region. The ectopic tooth was surgically removed with complete resolution of the facial swelling. This case highlights the possibility of dental pathology presenting with completely unrelated signs and symptoms, and the importance of the clinician maintaining an open mind when it comes to the differential diagnosis of such a presentation.
authors.affiliation: Rotherham Hospitals NHS Trust, Rotherham, United Kingdom. clar.aud@hotmail.com
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pace
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Holt
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Payne
mesh_terms: D001860:Bone Plates; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis; D003803:Dentigerous Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000175:diagnosis; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D008875:Middle Aged; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D014079:Tooth Eruption, Ectopic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery