Endoscope-assisted Surgical Removal of an Ectopic Wisdom Tooth Below Lower Border of the Mandible - A Case Report.

THE RATIONALE

Presentation of a case where using an endoscope aided the removal of a significantly displaced mandibular third molar.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Pain and infection associated with the ectopic wisdom tooth, increased risks with conventional surgical removal.

DIAGNOSIS

Chronic infection associated with the displaced, ectopic left lower third molar (LL8). Difficult surgical access and increased operative risk, with the tooth positioned lingually, below the lower border of the mandible.

TREATMENT

Surgical removal was undertaken with the aid of a 30°-angled endoscope. This provided superior visualisation and allowed for a minimally invasive technique.

OUTCOMES

The surgeon reported that the endoscope allowed for increased efficiency and ease of surgery. The patient experienced minimal postoperative pain and no long-term complications.

TAKE-AWAY LESSONS: Endoscopes can aid surgeons in cases with difficult access and increased risks. In this case, the endoscope allowed for a minimally invasive technique, minimising the risks of surgery, and reducing postoperative morbidity.