Odontoma

An Odontoma' is a benign, odontogenic tumor with a fibrous capsule that contains all the components of a developing tooth, but is not physiologically organized. Ameloblasts and odontoblasts form an irregular mass.

Division
Odontomas are divided into complex and mixed type. There is a smooth transition between the two variants.

Complex odontoma

 * Irregular mass of hard and soft tissues (dentin, enamel, cementum, connective tissue).
 * Hard tissues are mature.
 * The spherical shape can cause swelling of the jaw.
 * There is a fiber sheath on the surface.
 * It occurs most often in the area of premolars and molars.
 * Active growth occurs during the period of development and maturation of teeth.
 * The diagnosis usually occurs in the 1st and 2nd decade.

Mixed odontoma

 * Contains a fibrous cover.
 * It is composed of a large number of small teeth in the connective tissue.
 * Sometimes bone is also present.
 * The teeth are deformed, but the enamel − dentin − pulp relationship is recognizable.

Occurrence

 * Odontoma occurs in children, young people, more often in women, rather in the mandible.
 * It often occurs in the place of a missing tooth, or also as a supernumerary tooth.

Properties

 * Limited ability to grow (self limiting).
 * Does not cause difficulties.

Treatment

 * Treatment is surgical, possibility of recurrence with incomplete removal.

Links
http://old.patologie.info/vip/preparat.php?detail=547

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