Doctor removes rare ‘ectopic tooth’ from woman’s nostril

Rajkot: For over a decade, 38-year-old Meena Savaliya (name changed) endured frequent nasal blockages and recurring headaches, attributing them to allergies triggering common cold symptoms. However, a recent medical investigation revealed a rare and unusual condition: an ectopic tooth lodged in her nostril.

Savaliya underwent successful surgery performed by city-based ENT surgeon Dr Himanshu Thakkar, who explained that finding a tooth in the nostril, especially in an adult, is exceptionally rare. "This condition is typically diagnosed in paediatric patients," he said.

In addition to nasal blockage, Savaliya suffered from foul-smelling discharge from her right nostril. Despite being treated for a common cold, her condition progressively worsened.

"A CT scan revealed a tooth-like structure in her right nostril, surrounded by granulation tissue and secretions. This was identified as an ectopic tooth, where a tooth erupts in an abnormal location. Such cases are extremely rare, with very few documented in medical literature," explained Dr Thakkar.

During an endoscopic procedure, the surgeon removed a large, stone-like structure embedded with the tooth from her nostril. The tooth erupted from the inferior turbinate, a small curved bone inside the nose. "Ectopic teeth are usually found in the palate or upper jaw and are diagnosed in childhood. Finding one in the nasal cavity of a 38-year-old is extraordinary," he added.

The tooth was lodged for nearly a decade, and calcium carbonate deposits formed around it, creating a structure known as a rhinolith. Rhinoliths resemble stones and can be caused by genetic or congenital conditions.

Following the successful procedure, Savaliya is now in good health.