Compound odontoma - A case report

Odontomas are a common type of odontogenic tumors which are regarded as developmental anomalies (hamartomas) rather than a true neoplasm. They occur more commonly in the permanent dentition and are rarely associated with the primary dentition. An odontome comprises of the hard tissues which are laid down in an abnormal pattern. They are considered to be hamartomas rather than neoplasms as they contain the tissues which are native to teeth i.e. enamel, dentin, cementum and pulp tissue. In this context, we present the case of a compound odontome in the maxillary left posterior region, which posed as an obstacle to the erupting canine, thus causing its impaction.