A Prevalence Study of Odontomas in a Brazilian Population

Abstract

Introduction: Odontomas are one of the most common odontogenic tumours and are classified as benign odontogenic tumours. According to radiographic, microscopic and clinical features there are two main types of odontomas: compound and complex. Aim: To analyse the prevalence of benign odontogenic tumours compatible with odontomas in digital panoramic radiographs in a Brazilian population. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted from January 2015 to December 2015 and analysed 2,167 digital panoramic radiographs from the database of a Specialised Dental Radiological Clinic in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Results: Seven images presented lesions compatible with odontomas, resulting in a prevalence rate of 0.32%. Three images (42.9%) were compatible with compound odontomas and 4 (57.1%) with complex odontomas. Regarding gender, the majority of odontomas were found in female patients (71.4%). The age of the patients diagnosed with odontomas ranged from 7 to 37 years and the main clinical manifestation observed was their association with non-erupted teeth. Regarding the location of the lesions, compound odontomas were mainly observed in the incisor region (66.6%), whereas complex odontomas were found in the posterior region of the molars (50.0%). Conclusion: Data presented in this study reinforce the importance of panoramic digital radiographic images during dental practice for incidental diagnoses of odontogenic tumours, such as odontomas, since these lesions are in most cases, asymptomatic.

Keywords

• complex odontomas
• diagnosis
• digital panoramic radiographs