An odontoma, also known as a dental hamartoma, forms when dental tissue overgrows or grows irregularly. It consists of normal dental tissue—such as enamel, dentin, pulp tissues or cementum—that grew abnormally. General dentists spots these benign, non-aggressive and slow-growing lumps during their patients’ routine checkups. An oral maxillofacial surgeon removes them.
Patients who want an excellent oral surgeon who will provide them with the highest standard of care, comfort and successful outcomes choose the office of Middle Georgia Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. We use the latest techniques and state-of-the-art technology, which enhances the precision, safety and effectiveness of each procedure.
Odontoma tumors frequently grow in people who are in the 14 to 18 age range, but they can develop at any age. They normally form in the upper jaw. Their causes haven’t been pinpointed, but many of them develop due to impacted teeth. There also seems to be a connection between odontomas and childhood infections, physical traumas and inflammations of the jaw.
There are two forms of odontomas: compound and complex. The compound type is shaped like a tooth, lined up uniformly. A complex odontoma has a varied configuration of disorganized tissue mass. The compounds are twice as common and, on a dental X-ray, frequently look like a group of small teeth.
Because these lesions are benign, an oral surgeon may deem only minor surgery necessary. Surgically removed tumors usually don’t reappear. If a patient has no symptoms and the tumor isn’t hindering his teeth from erupting properly, the odontoma may simply need to be monitored.
The office of Middle Georgia Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery offers comprehensive care, including thorough pre-operative evaluations, clear explanations of procedures and detailed post-operative instructions. Please don’t hesitate to call us today to make an appointment.
