Endoscopic extraction of an intranasal tooth: a review of 13 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: To present the clinical experience of a series of 13 consecutive cases of an intranasal tooth treated by endoscopic extraction during a 15-year period.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review.

METHODS: The records of 13 patients who underwent endoscopic extraction of an intranasal tooth at Taipei Medical University Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between 1986 and 2000 were reviewed.

RESULTS: All the patients had an uneventful recovery and the presenting symptoms were completely relieved after surgery. The follow-up period was 6 months to 14 years 5 months (average, 9 yr 2 mo). Examination of these extracted teeth showed that 11 were supernumerary teeth and two were ectopic permanent canine teeth.

CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic extraction of the intranasal tooth has the advantages of good illumination, clear visualization, and precise dissection, and in our experience the result of endoscopic extraction of an intranasal tooth is satisfactory. We recommend the routine use of a rigid endoscope in the treatment of an intranasal tooth.