Compound‐Complex Odontoma in a Pediatric Patient-Diagnosis and Treatment: A Case Report

Abstract

Odontomas are benign odontogenic tumors classified as either complex or compound, depending on the organization of dental tissue. Complex odontomas are typically located in the posterior mandible and anterior maxilla, whereas compound odontomas are more commonly found in the anterior maxilla. It is rare for both types to be present simultaneously. These tumors usually manifest during the first two decades of life and are evenly distributed between genders. Often asymptomatic, they are frequently discovered during routine dental check-ups, especially when over-retained primary teeth or delayed eruption of permanent teeth are noted. Early diagnosis is crucial, as odontomas can interfere with the normal formation and eruption of teeth. Given these lesions’ benign nature and characteristic appearance, clinical and radiographic evaluations are generally sufficient for initial diagnosis and treatment. However, histopathological analysis and follow-up are advisable to confirm the diagnosis and ensure appropriate management, particularly for younger patients. This study presents an unusual case of complex and compound odontomas in an 8-year-old boy. The odontoma was located in the anterior mandible, an atypical site. Clinical examination revealed slight intraoral swelling in the anterior mandible, an over-retained right primary mandibular central incisor, and an unerupted right permanent mandibular central incisor. Surgical enucleation of the lesion was performed, and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Subsequent clinical and radiological assessments did not indicate any recurrence.