Eruption disturbance associated with a small odontoma

Odontoma is defined as a benign odontogenic tumor containing enamel, dentin as well as cementum and constitued 22% of all odontogenic tumors. Although the lesions are commonly asymptomatic, they may be discovered routine radiographic examination. Odontomas often cause disturbances in the eruption of teeth such as, impaction or delayed eruption, retention of primary teeth, or abnomalities in the position of the teeth such as tipping or displacement of adjacent teeth. Radiologically, odontomas manifest as a dense radiopaque lesion surrounded by a thin radiotransparent halo. However, in some cases, radiopacity was not quite clear and images of the teeth shadowed very tiny odontomas. And at early development stages of odontoma, calcification remains immature and is difficult to diagnose on radiographs. This suggests that when delayed eruption of the teeth is found, periapical radiographs should be taken to clarify whether any small area of radiopaque material exists. This case report shows tiny odontomas involving an impacted tooth and crowding and we remove the tiny odontoma surgically.