CLINICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF COMPLEX AND COMPOUND ODONTOMA. A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY INTRODUCTION – The odontoma is the most frequently occurring odontogenic tumor seen primarily in children and adolescents. The aetiology and pathogenesis are unknown, but are probably related to trauma, infection, or genetics. The tumour is usually asymptomatic and discovered coincidentally in connection with missing eruption of teeth. Radiologically, odontomas present as well-defined radiopaque structures containing hard tissue fragments that can be tooth-like and surrounded by a radiolucent zone. The odontomas are divided in a complex and a compound type depending on clinical, radiological, and histopathological characteristics. Odontomas are usually treated with surgical removal and the reoccurrence rate is low.
MATERIAL AND METHOD – The present study is based on medical records from consecutive patients referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Aalborg University Hospital from a 15-year period. Anamnestic information, clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings were registered.
RESULTS – In total, 18 patients (11 males and 7 females) with a mean age of 18 years (6-54) were included. The lesion was a coincidental find in 12 patients, while hindered eruption of permanent teeth was seen in 6 patients. In 16 cases the odontoma was asymptomatic, whereas pain and swelling were expressed by two patients. The site distribution was 12 in the mandible and seven in the maxilla. Surgical removal was performed in 15 patient cases and no recurrence was observed. Histopathological examination was performed in 13 cases, and 6 cases showed a complex odontoma, and 6 showed a compound odontoma.
CONCLUSION – The odontoma is a benign odontogenic tumour often diagnosed coincidentally in connection with missing eruption of teeth. Knowledge of diagnostics and treatment of odontomas and differential diagnoses are important when evaluating panoramic x-rays in adolescents.