Removal of an extensive mandibular odontoma using an intraoral approach

Odontomas, the most common odontogenic tumors, occur more frequently in the maxilla and are rarely larger than a tooth. They are usually found incidentally on routine dental radiographs during the second decade of life. The treatment of choice is surgical removal, and large tumors are challenging as damage may occur to surrounding anatomic structures. In this article we describe a "giant" compound odontoma occupying the entire body of the mandible and ramus in a 7-year-old girl. A conservative intraoral enucleation was used to avoid facial scarring and preserve mandibular continuity and function. The huge bony defect healed completely without a bone graft or further intervention. This case report emphasizes the importance of the early diagnosis of these lesions and a conservative surgical approach as well as the extraordinary healing potential of young patients.