Supernumerary Tooth in the Mandibular Inferior Border: A Rare Case and Diagnostic Considerations
10.5856/JKDS.2026.19.1.47
- Author:
Hyunmi JO
1
;
Moo Hyun SON
Author Information
1. Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
- Publication Type:CASE REPORT
- From:Journal of Korean Dental Science
2026;19(1):47-51
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
A 58-year-old woman presented with swelling and pain in the right submandibular region. Clinical examination revealed mild tenderness and firm consistency without intraoral findings. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated a well-defined radiopaque mass at the inferior border of the right mandible, surrounded by a radiolucent rim. The lesion was surgically excised via a submandibular approach, and histopathological analysis confirmed it as a supernumerary tooth. Supernumerary teeth are relatively common developmental anomalies; however, ectopic impaction at the mandibular inferior border is exceptionally rare. The etiology of ectopic tooth remains unclear, but may be related to aberrant dental lamina development or abnormal neural crest cell migration during embryogenesis. This case underscores the importance of considering ectopic supernumerary teeth in the differential diagnosis of radiopaque lesion of the jaw. Surgical removal is effective for symptom relief and prevention of further complication.
