The mystery surrounding rapper Lil Wayne's missed court date has been unravelled - he had to visit the dentist.

The star was due to appear in front of a judge in Yuma County, Arizona on Monday as part of his ongoing legal battle against charges of drug possession.

But Lil Wayne - real name Dwayne Carter Jr. - failed to appear, citing treatment for a medical condition for his absence.

It has now emerged Carter is recovering from several root-canal operations.

His attorney James Tilson says, "As a result, the court waived his appearance for that hearing. He still must appear at future hearings."

Carter Jr. was arrested in January after police officers allegedly discovered a stash of illegal drugs on his tour bus. The Lollipop hitmaker pleaded not guilty to weapons and drug charges in May.

He is due back in court in Arizona in October.