An erupted odontoma associated with pigmentation: a histogenetic and histological perspective

Giant Complex Odontoma of Mandible: A Spectacular Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Odontomas are considered as benign tumors of odontogenic tissue origin and are more over non-aggressive. They can also be categorized as hamartomas and are a result of developmental malformation of odontogenic tissues. As the name suggests, they are composed of mature tooth substances. They possess limited and slow growth potential and are well differentiated. They can be ectodermal, mesodermal or mixed in origin. Mixed variety may be further divided into compound or complex depending upon their radio-graphical resemblance to the tooth. Compound odontomes are reported to be twice more common than complex odontomes. Among them, complex odontomes are asymptomatic unless they cause bony expansion of the jaws.

CASE REPORT

This paper aims to report and discuss a case of complex odontoma with unusually large size leading to gross facial asymmetry. Further this paper will highlight the important information the general dental practitioner must possess to diagnose such lesions at an early stage.

CONCLUSION

Odontomas are benign odontogenic tumors with unusually large size leading to gross facial asymmetry. The general dental practitioners must possess the knowledge and important information to diagnose such lesions at an early stage.

Pigmented odontogenic tumors: Adding color to diagnosis?

Melanocytes are neural crest derivatives that exhibit a ubiquitous presence in the epidermis. They determine the complexion of an individual and most importantly, provide a barrier against ultraviolet radiations from the sun. Their presence in the oral cavity is a consistent finding, especially in the gingiva and buccal mucosa of the dark complexioned. Melanocytes occasionally form a part of the histology of a variety of odontogenic cysts and tumors. How these cells make their way into the lesional tissue and the diagnostic relevance of their presence remains elusive. This write up attempts to trace the path melanocytes take to find themselves within odontogenic tumors and also offer possible explanations for the same.

Unusually large erupted complex odontoma: A rare case report

Odontomas are nonaggressive, hamartomatous developmental malformations composed of mature tooth substances and may be compound or complex depending on the extent of morphodifferentiation or on their resemblance to normal teeth. Among them, complex odontomas are relatively rare tumors. They are usually asymptomatic in nature. Occasionally, these tumors become large, causing bone expansion followed by facial asymmetry. Odontoma eruptions are uncommon, and thus far, very few cases of erupted complex odontomas have been reported in the literature. Here, we report the case of an unusually large, painless, complex odontoma located in the right posterior mandible.