From Volume 44, Issue 9, October 2017 | Pages 833-837
An odontoma is described as a hamartoma, which is usually classified as a benign tumour. This clinical report will describe an unusual presentation of an odontoma in the mandibular primary molar region and highlight the importance of a comprehensive clinical and radiographic examination. A systematic approach to reading bitewing radiographs will also be described.
An odontoma is defined as the formation of varying amounts of enamel, dentine and pulpal tissue, originating from the growth of completely differentiated epithelial and mesenchymal cells, giving rise to functional ameloblasts and odontoblasts.1 According to the World Health Organization, ICD-10 classification, odontomas are classified as benign tumours. However, odontomas are not considered to be true neoplasms, instead they are described as a type of hamartoma, which is a developmental anomaly in the form of a disorganized collection of tissue.2
While the odontoma is a relatively common lesion in the permanent dentition, reports of odontomas associated with the primary dentition are rare. Generally, odontomas are more commonly found in the second decade of life, usually in the anterior maxilla or the posterior mandible.3 This clinical report will describe an unusual presentation of an odontoma in the mandibular primary molar region and highlight the importance of comprehensive clinical and radiographic examinations. A systematic approach to reading bitewing radiographs will also be described.
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