Complex odontoma: Pediatric case report

Abstract

Introduction: Odontomas are the most common odontogenic tumors. They are considered hamartomatous malformations rather than true neoplasms and, therefore, usually follow a benign course. They are of little known etiology; local trauma during odontogenesis may be a possible factor. They are divided into compound and complex odontomas. The complex odontoma is an amorphous mass of calcified dental tissue and occurs more frequently in the posterior part of the mandible. They are commonly detected on routine radiographic examinations in children and young adults during the ages of tooth development. They are usually asymptomatic and generally associated with unerupted or impacted teeth. However, they can also be seen in association with impacted deciduous teeth. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Objective: To describe clinical and radiographic findings present in a case diagnosed with complex odontoma with a 6-year follow-up. Case report: Eleven-year-old boy with orthodontic treatment suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, comes after two years for preventive treatment in the pediatric dentistry service; The radiographic record is updated and a radiopaque image of tooth density in the upper anterior sector compatible with odontoma is evidenced. A search of his radiographic records of the last six years was carried out, finding no evidence of this pathology. Subsequently, enucleation was performed, sending the sample to the pathology service, confirming the diagnosis. Conclusions: The persistence of deciduous pieces and retention of permanent ones are a predictor of mechanical obstacles such as odontomas. Annual radiographic controls are suggested.