Compound and complex odontomes: Case series with surgical management and brief review of literature

Abstract

Odontomas are the most commonly occurring odontogenic tumor, and earlier they were considered developmental anomaly as the morphodifferentiation of ameloblast does not occur in odontomas. Odontomas are considered hamartoma rather than true neoplasms as histologically they contain odontogenic tissues which are native to the oral cavity. These odontomas are usually asymptomatic and are revealed in radiographic examination but can also present with over-retained deciduous teeth and malocclusion and with other local complications such as infection. Etiology of odontomas is considered to be from genetic, local environmental, and systemic factors. Broadly based on their radiologic and clinical features, they are classified into two types: compound composite odontomas and complex composite odontomas. The odontomas which resemble teeth are called compound composite odontomas and which do not resemble teeth are called complex composite odontomas. Odontomas are called composite odontomas as they contain both epithelial and mesenchymal derivatives. Here, we report two cases of compound composite odontoma, and a case of complex composite odontoma with relevant review of literature.

Keywords

• complex composite odontoma
• compound composite odontoma
• surgical excision