Recovery of an accidentally displaced third molar from the infratemporal fossa

Resumo

Background. Displacement of an impacted maxillary third molar into the infratemporal fossa is frequently mentioned but rarely reported. Retrieval of such a displaced tooth is difficult and requires urgent referral. The use of normal radiographic examination may lead to an incorrect diagnosis because of the superimposition of anatomical structures. Many surgical approaches have been suggested to recover such a dislocated tooth. The
following report describes a case of displacement of a maxillary third molar into the infratemporal fossa, treated several days after displacement, with an installed local infection. There is no universal treatment applicable to all maxillary third molars with displacement in the infratemporal fossa, and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can choose which treatment is most appropriate for each case. The use of normal
radiographic examination may lead to an incorrect diagnosis because of the superimposition of anatomical structures. Therefore the computed tomography is recommended.