Supernumerary Tooth: Endoscopic Removal for a Rare Cause of Recurrent Epistaxis

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2022 Oct;74(Suppl 2):1143-1146. doi: 10.1007/s12070-020-02221-0. Epub 2020 Oct 17.

Abstract

The presence of ectopic (supernumerary) teeth is common odontogenic problem in clinical practice. Its presence in dentate region is common but rare in the non dentate areas such as nose and maxillary sinus. The intranasal teeth generally remain asymptomatic but can get misdiagnosed for foreign body, or may present as complications like headache, epistaxis, nasal obstruction, rhinolith formation, oroantral fistula and sinusitis. Here, we discuss a case of intranasal tooth as a rare cause of profuse and recurrent epistaxis. The clinical, radiological findings and surgical treatment via endoscopic approach of this rare entity has been discussed. This interesting case report highlights the need to look beyond nose as cause for epistaxis. Endoscopic removal for this entity can be a preferred option to help minimize complications.

Keywords: Endoscopic removal; Epistaxis; Intranasal tooth; Supernumerary tooth.