Odontoma

The odontoma is a hamartoma (benign tumor) of odontogenic origin. The average age of people found with odontoma is 14, and the condition is frequently associated with an unerupted tooth.

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Classification

There are three types. Simple, compound, and complex.

• The simple can also be classified as a supernumerary tooth, having all the structures, and usually sharing some morphology with teeth in general - separate dentin, enamel, and pulpal structures.

• A compound odontoma still has these three separate entities, however may present a lobulated appearance where there is no definitive demarcation of separate tissues between the individual "toothlets".

• The complex type is unrecognizable as dental tissues, usually presenting as a radioopaque area with varying densities.

References

• Kahn, Michael A. Basic Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. Volume 1. 2001.

Ira J Cohen, DDS