Benign mixed odontogenic tumors

As a group, the mixed odontogenic tumors histologically resemble various stages of tooth formation (odontogenesis). Because of this, confusion arises in diagnosis and nomenclature unless one is familiar with normal tooth development and its subsequent resemblance to the neoplasms and hamartomas which arise from the tooth-forming tissues of the jaws. This article reviews odontogenesis and relates it to the formation of the mixed odontogenic tumors-the ameloblastic fibroma, ameloblastic fibro-odontoma, and the odontomas. Correlation of clinical and radiographic features with the histologic features will generally result in correct diagnosis and proper treatment.