Transmasseteric antero-parotid approach: a technique adaptation for ectopic subcondylar third molar removal and associated dentigerous cyst enucleation

Abstract

by Wilson et al. in 2005 to manage condylarfractures. We adapted this approach to remove a subcondy-lar ectopic third molar and associated odontogenic cyst, andto the best of our knowledge this is the first report of thistechnique being used for this clinical problem. We chosethe TMAP approach to reduce the surgical morbidity antic-ipated with alternative approaches as it has a low risk ofiatrogenic injury to the facial nerve and reduces the riskof injury to the lingual nerve. An intraoral approach wouldrequire coronoidectomy and further lateral and medial ramuscortical bone removal, increasing the risk of condylar frac-ture. In contrast to an intraoral approach the TMAP approach