Surgical Removal of Compound Odontoma in the Mandible

Abstract

Odontomas are the most common benign odontogenic tumors found in the jaws. They result from abnormal development of both epithelial cells and mesenchymal components of the tooth-forming tissues. Odontomas are usually diagnosed in patients between 10 and 20 years of age. In most cases, the lesions are asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally during routine radiographic examinations. The presence of odontomas can interfere with the normal eruption of permanent teeth, leading to impaction or delayed eruption. Furthermore, these lesions may exert compressive forces on adjacent dental roots, thereby inducing root resorption and impeding the efficacy of orthodontic tooth movement, particularly in patients undergoing active orthodontic treatment. If left untreated, odontomas may adversely affect masticatory efficiency, phonation, and overall facial esthetics. The treatment of choice is complete surgical excision, followed by periodic follow-up to monitor for potential complications or recurrence. The prognosis is generally favorable, as recurrence is uncommon. Odontomas are classified into two types: compound odontoma, which exhibits a tooth-like structure, and complex odontoma, which presents as an irregular, disorganized mass of dental tissue.

In the present case, a 16-year-old Thai female was diagnosed with a compound odontoma in the lower left mandible. She was referred for surgical removal as part of her orthodontic treatment plan. Postoperative follow-up revealed no complications involving adjacent teeth or surrounding structures, and the surgical wound healed normally.

Keyword Odontoma, Compound, odontogenic tumor