Introduction
Tooth eruption & shedding is a physiological process, any variation in normal process is a common finding but deviation from normal should signify the clinician for an alert investigation.1, 2 Odontomas are mixed odontogenic tumors & are considered to be hamartomatous rather than true neoplasms.3
Odontomas are further subdivided into compound & complex types according to their clinical resemblance & histo-morphodifferentiation. 4 Odontomas represent tooth duplication but in a disturbed fashion. They seem to arise from budding of odontogenic epithelial cells from dental lamina.5, 6, 7 Odontomas can be found anywhere; those which are located in anterior maxilla are mostly compound while those located in posterior mandible are mostly complex. 8, 9, 10
Odontomas are usually well encapsulated & often come to clinical attention by causing delayed exfoliation of primary tooth, delayed eruption of permanent tooth, over-retention & impaction. 3 Thus, early diagnosis will provide a conservative approach for the clinician to ensure a better prognosis. 1
Case History
A 32 years old male patient reported with the complain of pain in the lower right back tooth region since 10-15 days. Pain is mild, intermittent, localized in nature, aggravates on eating and subsides by itself. (Figure 1A)
An intraoral examination revealed bony hard swelling with mild expansion of the buccal cortex in the ramus region when compared to the contralateral side. It was tender on palpation & the overlying mucosa was of normal color. The medical & family history was non-contributory.
OPG reveals a large radio-opaque tooth like mass surrounded by well circumscribed radiolucent line evident posteriorly few mm anterior to posterior ramus, superiorly upto sigmoid notch, & 0.5cm above the inferior border of mandible. (Figure 1B) Gross specimen revealed multiple hard tissue bits (Figure 1C). Specimen radiography revealed radio-opaque calcified masses. (Figure 1D).
Stereomicroscopic examination was also observed for the present case which revealed glistening appearance of hard tissue. (Figure 1E& F)
Upon clinical & radiological examination, a provisional diagnosis of ossifying fibroma was made along with differential diagnosis of odontome.
Under local anaesthesia, the specimen was removed for histopathological confirmation.
Histopathologically, H and E stained decalcified section showed admixture of dentinal tissues arranged in a haphazard manner with serrated borders. The enamel cap on the denticles was removed during decalcification, the section revealed teeth containing dentin with dentinal tubules, pulp, cementum and periodontal ligament-like tissue. Some of them were surrounded by a compressed connective tissue stroma. (Figure 2A,B,C,D) Ground section of Specimen shows disorganized arrangement of dental hard tissues such as dentin & cementum.(Figure 3)
By co-relating the clinical, radiological & histopathological findings, a definitive diagnosis of compound odontome was made.
Figure 1
(A): Clinical picture, (B): OPG revealing Large tooth like radio-opaque mass in the Ramus of Mandible, (C): Gross examination of the specimen revealed multiple hard tissue bits, (D): Specimen Radiograph revealed radiopaque structures suggestive of mineralized tissue component, (E & F): Stereomicroscopic examination of the specimen shows glistening appearance of hard tissue.
Discussion
Odontomas are mixed odontogenic tumours classified as benign, mixed, calcified odontogenic tumours constitute about 22% of all odontogenic tumours of the jaws. 3 WHO 2005, has classified two types as; complex and compound odontomes, occurring in the ratio of 1:2. They are hamartomatous lesions rather than true neoplasms. They may occur at any age and in any gender; however, most cases are detected in the first two decades of life on routine radiographs. Majority of compound odontomas are located in the anterior region of the maxilla and diagnosis is frequently made on the basis of the failure of a permanent tooth to erupt while complex odontomes are located in the mandible especially in the posterior areas.1
The mechanism of odontome eruption appears to be different from tooth eruption because of the lack of periodontal ligament and root in odontoma. Therefore the force required to move the odontoma is not linked to the contractility of the fibroblasts, as in the case for teeth. 11 Although there is no root formation in odontoma, its increasing size may lead to the sequestration of the overlying bone and hence occlusal movement or eruption. An increase in the size of the odontoma over time produces a force sufficient to cause bone resorption. Another reason for odontoma eruption could be the bone remodeling of the jaws. However, for this to occur dental follicle is required although indirectly, as it provides both the conductance and chemoattraction for the osteoclasts necessary for tooth eruption. 12
Odontomas are relatively common odontogenic lesions, generally asymptomatic, and are rarely diagnosed before the second decade of life. They frequently lead to impaction or delayed eruption of permanent teeth. Clinical experience suggests and the dental literature supports that an individualized radiographic examination of any pediatric patient that presents clinical evidence of delayed permanent tooth eruption or temporary tooth displacement with or without a history of previous dental trauma should be performed.8
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