What are Complex Odontomas?

As to what complex odontomas are, they are one of two kinds of benign odontogenic tumors (meaning they affect the tissues or cells that trigger odontogenic processes, or the development of human teeth). The other kind of benign odontogenic tumor would be a compound composite odontoma. Both types of odontomas are made up of the exact same tissues that form teeth—pulp, dentin, and enamel. However, the key difference between a tooth and an odontoma is that the odontoma’s tissue formation is unlike that a tooth in how it is arranged. To put it simply, the tissue formation is abnormal, which can be expected when discussing a, fortunately, benign tumor.

Causes

This tumor’s exact etiology is currently unknown, but there are theories for explaining how it can develop, including family history, genetic factors, an infection to the area, and trauma. Research suggests that gender makes no difference in terms of prevalence, but these lesions are much more likely to be in the posterior mandible (back of the jaw). They can also occur at any age, but it is noticeably rare for them to appear in primary dentition (baby teeth), per a study in the National Journal of Integrated Research in Medicine (NJIRM).

Complex odontomas develop much like regular teeth in that they go through three phases of mineralization and development. In the first phase, no mineralzation takes place. In the second phase, mineralization, or the calcification of tooth-like structures, starts. In the last phase, a complex odontoma has mineralized entirely and stopped growing.

Diagnosis

This type of tumor is mostly asymptomatic, and it is often discovered by a dental professional while carrying out a routine dental exam. It is also not linked to impacted teeth. While it can vary by the location, these tumors could result in pain, the delayed eruption of natural teeth, or the displacement of various teeth. As per a study published in the Scientific Journal of Dentistry , damage to any teeth adjacent to the growing mass can occur.

Treatment

Complex odontomas may call for a biopsy in order to get a concrete diagnosis if it’s not possible to get one from imaging or a clinical test. Depending on a patient’s symptoms, a decision must be made to either monitor the odontoma or surgically remove it, as it’s possible the surgery could create more problems than the tumor itself. Bone defects within the jaw and nerve damage would require further corrective procedures like bone grafting. Because of this, treatment should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you are having severe mouth pain, it is time to go to the dentist. If you are avoiding that trip due to high costs of dental care, consider signing up for our New Hampshire discount dental plan for small business , families, and individuals that can save you as much as 20 percent off your bill. For more information, click here.

Copyright: sifotography / 123RF Stock Photo