Introduction

Odontomas constitute about 22% of all odontogenic tumors of the jaws.  It is a mixed tumor consisting of the hamartomatous malformations of the functional ameloblasts and odontoblasts unlike a true neoplasm.^{1, 2}  Although the odontoma was firstly described by Paul Broca in 1867, it has broadly consisted of amorphous masses of calcified tissues and classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as complex composite and compound odontoma producing toothlike structures.^1-3

The etiology of odontomas is unknown, although local trauma, infection, and genetic factors have been suggested.  One aspect of the etiology of odontomas is most result from extraneous buds of odontogenic epithelial cells.^4-6

Although the lesions are commonly asymptomatic, they may be discovered on routine radiographic examination.  Radiographically, the complex odontoma typically appears as a well-defined radiolucent area containing an irregular mass or masses of mineralized tissue.  While in the compound type, the radiopacity does not have a specific shape but appears as disorganized irregular macrudely formed teeth of varying sizes and shapes.^{2, 6-8}  In this case report, an eight and a half-year-old-female-child with a compound odontoma localized in the mandibule was treated surgically which allowed the eruption of the permanent teeth.

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Citation Number: Vol. 6, No. 4, Page 153