An erupted odontoma associated with pigmentation: a histogenetic and histological perspective

Odontomas are hamartomatous malformations of odontogenic origin composed of all the structures that form the tooth. Pigmentation associated with odontomas is rare, with only two cases reported in the literature. The genesis of this composite malformation is attributable to the organizational failure of the developing odontogenic apparatus leading to abnormal morphodifferentiation. Although some odontomas erupt into the oral cavity, it defies the existing views of normal physiologic tooth movement thus raising questions over the use of this term. Here, we review a case of large odontoma in a 23-year-old male surfacing into the oral cavity from its intraosseous location. The unusual occurrence of melanotic pigmentation in the odontogenic epithelial rests was demonstrated by Mason Fontana special stain. The histogenesis of this unusual entity and explanation to its possible occurrence is discussed.