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 Tai pei Medical University Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between 19 86 and 2000 were reviewed. Results: All the patients had an uneventful reco very and the presenting symptoms were completely relieved after surgery. Th e 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 teet h and two were ectopic permanent canine teeth. Conclusions: Endoscopic extr action of the intranasal tooth has the advantages of good illumination, cle ar visualization, and precise dissection, and in our experience the result of endoscopic extraction of an intranasal tooth is satisfactory. We recomme nd the routine use of a rigid endoscope in the treatment of an intranasal t ooth.