Transnasal endoscopic approach to extraction of ectopic maxillary third molar tooth

Abstract

Caldwell-Luc procedure is the most common approach performed by maxillofacial surgeons for maxillary sinus surgery. However, in recent years, transnasal endoscopic sinus surgery that spares the morbidities of traditional approaches is more commonly offered to the patients. A 15-year-old male patient was referred to our clinic for removal of an ectopic third molar tooth in the right maxillary sinus. We performed endoscopic transnasal technique and in contrary to the Caldwell-Luc procedure, there was no postoperative clinical oro-antral communication. Endoscopic transnasal removal of foreign bodies within the maxillary sinus is a safe and minimally invasive procedure compared to Caldwell-Luc procedure.