Impaction caused by a rare erupted peripheral compound odontoma

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Pathology
• Odontogenic Tumors

Background:

• Odontomas are benign odontogenic tumors, frequently found in the oral cavity.
• They are typically classified as either complex or compound odontomas.
• Erupted peripheral compound odontomas, occurring in soft tissues outside the bone, are exceptionally rare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of an erupted peripheral compound odontoma.
• To illustrate the diagnostic and management challenges associated with this rare entity.
• To emphasize the potential complications, such as permanent tooth impaction.

Main Methods:

• Clinical examination and radiographic assessment (e.g., panoramic radiography, cone-beam computed tomography).
• Surgical excision of the peripheral compound odontoma.
• Histopathological examination for definitive diagnosis.

Main Results:

• The odontoma was located in the extra-osseous soft tissues.
• The lesion was associated with the significant impaction of a permanent tooth.
• Surgical removal of the odontoma was successfully performed.

Conclusions:

• Erupted peripheral compound odontomas, though rare, can lead to significant dental complications like tooth impaction.
• Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing such cases.
• This case underscores the importance of considering rare odontogenic lesions in the differential diagnosis of oral masses and dental anomalies.