Eruption disturbance in first molar and primary second molar caused by multiple compound odontomas: a case report

Odontoma is an occasionally encountered condition that disturbs the eruption of adjacent teeth. Few reports have described multiple odontomas occurring at two adjacent sites, resulting in eruption disturbances of both primary and permanent teeth. An 8-year 2-month-old boy was referred to our hospital. Oral examination revealed that the maxillary left first molar and primary second molar were absent, and radiographic examination showed multiple compound odontomas in two regions near these unerupted teeth. The first molar gradually erupted after removal of the odontoma and excision of overlying gingiva around the tooth crown. The maxillary left second premolar spontaneously erupted at 9 years 6 months of age, but the impacted primary second molar and surrounding odontoma were located near the bottom of the maxillary sinus. The treatment plan was required to consider the completion of second premolar root development, followed by removal of the impacted primary second molar and remaining odontomas. In this case, the multiple odontomas were suspected to have disturbed the eruption of both primary and permanent teeth, and the degree of positional abnormality varied between the two teeth. This case report suggests the importance of early detection and treatment of teeth with odontoma-induced eruption disturbances.