Definition: A benign odontogenic tumor composed of enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp tissue, characterized by multiple tooth-like structures (denticles) within the lesion.
Radiographic Features:
- Location: Most commonly in maxillary anterior region
- Edge:
- Well-defined
- Corticated
- Shape: Contains multiple tooth-like radiopacities (denticles)
- Internal:
- Mixed radiolucent/radiopaque
- Radiopacity similar to tooth structure (enamel and dentin)
- Number:
- Usually single lesion
- Multiple lesions are rare but possible
Key Diagnostic Signs:
- Well-defined, corticated lesion containing multiple tooth-like structures
- Often associated with an unerupted tooth
Clinical Significance:
- Commonly impedes normal eruption of permanent teeth
- Generally asymptomatic, often discovered on routine radiographs
- May cause delayed tooth eruption or tooth displacement
- Treatment typically involves surgical removal and monitoring of associated unerupted teeth
Note: Differentiation from complex odontoma is important. Compound odontomas show distinct tooth-like structures, while complex odontomas appear as a disorganized mass of dental tissues.