J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg.  2013 Oct;39(5):242-245.

Surgical extraction of mandibular third molar in pterygomandibular space: a case report

• Lee YK
• Park SS
• Myoung H

Abstract

Impacted mandibular third molars are located between the second mandibular molar and mandibular ramus. However, ectopic mandibular third molars with heterotopic positions are reported in the subcondylar or pterygomandibular space. The usual cause of malposition is a cyst or tumor, and malposition without a pathology is rare. This case report described an impacted mandibular third molar in the pterygomandibular space without any associated pathology.

Keyword

Third molar; Pterygomandibular space

MeSH Terms

Molar
Molar, Third*

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Panoramic view of ectopic mandibular third molar in the right ascending ramus of the mandible.

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  Fig. 2 Axial image (A) and coronal image (B) of computed tomography (CT). CT scans show that the mandibular third molar is located in the pterygomandibular space. The sclerotic change of the mandible around the mandibular third molar is consistent with chronic infection.

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  Fig. 3 A. Intraoperative view of the ostectomy site in the medial aspect of the ascending ramus of the mandible. B. Removed ectopic mandibular third molar whose crown was blackened.

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  Fig. 4 Postoperative panoramic radiograph showing the removal of the ectopic third molar in the pterygomandibular space.

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  Fig. 5 Histopathologic imaging (H&E, ×200).

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