Compound Odontoma of the Anterior Maxilla in a 4-Year-Old Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Odontomas are an odontogenic tumor containing all the components of the odontogenic tissue. They are divided into compound and complex odontomas depending on their macroscopic appearance and organization. Odontomas are frequent in the first two decades of life and generally present as asymptomatic entities in most patients. However, they can hamper normal eruption of permanent teeth or cause swelling. Material and Methods:We present the case of a 4-year-old boy who presented with progressive unpainful swelling of the anterior maxilla and absence of the upper right temporal central incisor. An orthopantomography was taken showing a tooth-like mass in the region of the permanent upper right incisors surrounded by a radiolucent halo. The suspicion diagnosis of odontoma was stablished and surgical excision was decided to avoid impairment of the eruption of the permanent incisor. The histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of compound odontoma. Conclusion:Odontomas are benign odontogenic tumors that can produce alterations of the eruption of teeth and progressive swelling with associated facial deformity. Surgical excision is safe, and no recurrences have been described. However, need for orthodontic treatment to aid in the eruption of the retained teeth should be bear in mind when treating odontomas.