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Hi everyone, this post would be the concluding segment of the previous post on Odontoma at least for now.

First of, let's start with the diagnostic histopathological features of Odontomas;

Odontomas as generally known, are composed of a mixture of both epithelial and mesenchymal tissues which are required for tooth development giving rise to both hard and soft dental tissues which are the four basic tissues of every tooth namely; enamel, dentine, cementum and pulp tissue.

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Clinical Features and Presentation of Odontomas

Odontomas occur as usually asymptomatic dental anomaly and may present and spotted as an incidental radiographic finding, often during childhood and adolescence stage of life when teeth do not erupt within the expected timeframe.

Although Occasionally odontomas can erupt into the mouth and this can lead to acute infections and further complications resembling a dental abscess and malodorous smell.

At the beginning of odontoma development; a radiolucent piece proliferate and becomes apparent. At a later stage of development a dense radiopaque meaning hard tissues mass becomes visible as enamel and dentine forms and develops.

Etiology

Overall etiology odontoma is unknown. "However, odontomas have been related to local trauma, inflammatory and/or infectious processes, hereditary anomalies such as Gardener's syndrome and Hermanns syndrome, odontoblastic hyperactivity, mature odontoblasts and dental lamina remnants (Cell Rests of Serres)."Source

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Treatment of Odontomas

Most common treatment is surgical removal or enucleation owing to the well-encapsulated nature of odontomas allowing separation from surrounding bone and other structures.

If left unmanaged and uncontrolled and can eventually result in a dentigerous cyst.

Odontomas as a very common dental tumour are believed to be the second most frequent type of odontogenic tumour in the world (after ameloblastoma), accounting for like 20% of all cases within this relatively uncommon occuring tumours which varies with each geographic locations.

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Though based on some article discussion, statistics might appear misleading as most of the odontomas found wanting around highly susceptible ameloblastoma-areas, are well-likely left unrecorded due to hospital management issues and asymptomatic clinical nature of odontoma as a benign and localised anomaly.

That's all as regards this post on this benign abnormality and thanks for your usual support and follow-up. More on dental localized and neoplasms would posted in the subsequent write-ups.

Happy blogging and reading

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