Peripheral odontogenic fibroma: an uncommonly overviewed lesion

Peripheral odontogenic fibroma is considered a gingival tumor characterized by a proliferation of relatively cellular fibrous or fibromyxomatous connective tissue which exhibits variable amounts of odontogenic epithelium and sometimes foci of calcification in the form of dentinoid, cementicles, or bone. It is considered the extraosseous counterpart of central odontogenic fibroma. This lesion usually is presented as a focal swelling in the gingiva, occurring in a wide age range, and the anterior region of the gingiva is the most frequent anatomic site. Conservative local excision is the treatment frequently adopted and its recurrence rate varies widely, and its biologic behavior is still unknown. In this study, the authors discuss 3 cases of peripheral odontogenic fibroma, and present their clinical and histopathological features and management.