An odontoma, also known as a dental hamartoma, forms when dental tissue overgrows or grows irregularly. It consists of normal dental tissue—such as enamel, dentin, pulp tissue or cementum—that grew abnormally. General dentists spot these benign, non-aggressive and slow-growing lumps during their patients’ routine checkups. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon removes them.
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Odontoma tumors frequently grow in people who are in the 14 to 18 age range, but they can develop at any age. Where they form can vary by type: compound odontomas typically develop toward the front of the upper jaw, while complex odontomas are more often found toward the back of the lower jaw. Their causes haven’t been pinpointed, but many of them develop due to impacted teeth. There also seems to be a connection between odontomas and childhood infections, physical traumas and inflammations of the jaw.
There are two forms of odontomas: compound and complex. The compound type is shaped like a tooth, lined up uniformly. A complex odontoma has a varied configuration of disorganized tissue mass. The compound type is twice as common and, on a dental X-ray, frequently looks like a group of small teeth.
Because these lesions are benign, an oral surgeon may deem only minor surgery necessary. Surgically removed tumors usually don’t reappear. If a patient has no symptoms and the tumor isn’t hindering the teeth from erupting properly, the odontoma may simply need to be monitored.
Frequently Asked Questions About Odontoma Tumors
Is an odontoma a true tumor, or something else?
An odontoma is technically a hamartoma rather than a true tumor — it develops when normal dental tissue, such as enamel, dentin, pulp and cementum, grows in a disorganized way. It is benign, does not spread to other tissue, and grows slowly, which is why many are only found incidentally during a routine dental checkup or X-ray.
What’s the difference between a compound and a complex odontoma?
A compound odontoma forms a cluster of small, well-organized structures that resemble tiny teeth, most often toward the front of the upper jaw. A complex odontoma is a disorganized mass of dental tissue without a tooth-like shape and tends to develop toward the back of the lower jaw. Compound odontomas are diagnosed more often than complex ones.
Does an odontoma cause any symptoms?
Most odontomas don’t cause pain or other noticeable symptoms on their own. The most common clue is a permanent tooth that fails to erupt on schedule, since the growth can physically block it from coming in. Because they are usually painless, odontomas are often discovered on a dental X-ray taken for another reason.
How is an odontoma treated?
Because odontomas are benign, treatment is typically a straightforward surgical removal performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, often on an outpatient basis. If the odontoma is small, isn’t affecting nearby teeth, and isn’t causing symptoms, your surgeon may instead recommend monitoring it with periodic imaging rather than immediate removal.
Can an odontoma grow back after it’s removed?
Recurrence after surgical removal is uncommon. Once the tissue is fully excised, most patients don’t experience the odontoma returning in the same spot, though your surgeon may recommend a follow-up X-ray to confirm the area has healed properly.
The office of Harmony Dental Implants & Oral Surgery offers comprehensive care, including thorough pre-operative evaluations, clear explanations of procedures and detailed post-operative instructions. Please don’t hesitate to call us today to make an appointment.