Cone beam computed tomography findings of ectopic tooth in the maxillary sinus associated wit dentigerous cyst: A case report and review of the literature

Dentigerous cysts represent the most frequent type of benign odontogenic cysts that develop around the crown of an unerupted or impacted tooth. They are considered the second most common cystic lesion of the jaws, following radicular cysts. When associated with impacted teeth, dentigerous cysts can cause displacement of these teeth into abnormal or ectopic locations. Although ectopic eruption of teeth outside the oral cavity is not unusual, the occurrence of dentigerous cysts linked to ectopic teeth within the maxillary sinus is relatively uncommon. Diagnosis is primarily established using panoramic radiography; however, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is recommended when an ectopic tooth is associated with a mass in the maxillary sinus or before surgical intervention. The preferred treatment approach is surgical enucleation of the cyst along with removal of the associated impacted or unerupted tooth. This article presents CBCT findings from case of dentigerous cyst involving ectopic/supernumerary tooth in the maxillary sinus and reviews relevant literature published over the past 34 years.