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Odontoma Recurrence. The Importance of Radiographic Controls: Case Report with a 7-Year Follow-Up.
Josefa Alarcón Apablaza1, Gonzalo Muñoz1,2, Carlos Arriagada3
1Doctoral Program in Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|August 29, 2024
Summary
Recurrence of odontomas, though rare, highlights the need for vigilant radiographic monitoring post-enucleation. Regular follow-up imaging is crucial for early detection and management of these benign jaw tumors.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Oral Pathology
- Radiology
Background:
- Odontomas are benign odontogenic tumors with slow growth and infrequent recurrence.
- Diagnosis is typically incidental via radiographic findings, often in the calcified, radiopaque stage.
- Complete surgical removal (enucleation) is the standard treatment.
Observation:
- A case report details a 9-year-old female with a recurrent odontoma.
- Initial diagnosis and removal occurred in 2016.
- Radiographic re-examination in 2020 revealed a radiopaque area consistent with odontoma recurrence.
Findings:
- The study confirms that odontoma recurrence, while uncommon, can occur after seemingly complete enucleation.
- Radiographic surveillance is essential for identifying residual or recurrent lesions.
- The evolution and calcification stages of odontomas influence their radiographic appearance.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical importance of long-term radiographic follow-up after odontoma removal.
- It emphasizes the need for diagnostic and follow-up imaging protocols, potentially extending up to five years post-surgery.
- Consistent monitoring aids in timely detection and management, preventing potential complications from recurrent odontomas.
