Complex odontomas hindering eruption of maxillary permanent teeth: a radiological perspective.

To cite: Arora A, Donald PM. BMJ Case Rep Published online: [please include Day Month Year] doi:10.1136/bcr-2016216797 DESCRIPTION Odontomas are benign neoplasms of odontogenic origin. They are more appropriately termed hamartomas because of their limited growth potential rather than true neoplasm. Clinically, three types of odontomas are identified in the literature: central (intraosseous) odontoma, peripheral (extraosseous or soft tissue) odontoma and erupted odontoma, whereas histologically they can be either compound (tooth-like structures) or complex (mixture of odontogenic tissues without dental organisation). These odontomas although benign cause disturbances in tooth eruption, such as impaction, delayed eruption or retention of primary teeth.