Management of compound odontoma associated with unerupted maxillary permanent incisors: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Odontomas, the most common odontogenic tumors, result from developmental abnormalities where epithelial and mesenchymal cells grow, forming functional ameloblasts and odontoblasts. Typically asymptomatic, they are often associated with unerupted or impacted teeth. Odontomas are categorized as complex or compound, based on their tissue composition and structure. The preferred treatment is conservative surgical excision, followed by histopathological analysis for confirmation. Case History: A 13-year-old female patient came to the Pedodontic Clinic at RSGM Airlangga University with the chief complaint of unerupted upper front teeth. Intraoral eximination revealed no facial asymmetry. Intraoral examination revealed the absence of maxillary right central and lateral incisors with an asymptomatic swelling and no inflammation of the overlying mucosa. The patient had no history of systemic diseases such as heart disease or blood disorders, and there were no known allergies to food or medications. Discussion: Odontomas are generally asymptomatic and associated with unerupted or impacted teeth or retention of primary teeth. Removal of obstructions like odontome results in a spontaneous eruption of the impacted tooth. Another method currently being undertaken involves surgically exposing unerupted teeth and placing bonded attachment along with ligatures/e-chains for orthodontic traction so that it will speedup eruption process. Conclusion: The odontoma must be removed so that it will not disrupt dental growth and development, especially tooth eruption.