Dentally reviewed by Dr. Manish Pandey, BDS, FAGE (Manipal University)
Last reviewed: 13 August 2026
Quick answer: An odontoma is a benign tooth-development growth made from dental tissues such as enamel and dentin. It is often discovered on an X-ray when a baby tooth remains too long or a permanent tooth does not erupt. Compound odontomas resemble multiple tiny teeth; complex odontomas appear as an irregular calcified mass. Diagnosis usually combines examination, imaging and microscopic assessment after removal.
See a dentist if a permanent tooth is delayed, a baby tooth does not fall out, teeth shift unexpectedly, or there is persistent jaw swelling or pain. These findings have several possible causes and cannot be diagnosed from a photograph alone.
Overview
In true sense, The term Odontoma refers to any tumor of odontogenic origin. Odontoma is considered more as a hamartomatous malformation,
also as a composite lesion, as it contains more than one tissue.
Causes of Odontoma
It is one of the most common non-cancerous tumors of Odontogenic origin. Formation of Odontoma is due to the irregular growth of epithelial and ectomesenchymal cells during tooth formation.
This is considered more like a composite lesion or hamartomatous formation, as it contains more than one type of the tissue.
The etiology of this tumor is still unknown. It may be related to various pathological conditions like local trauma, inflammatory and/or infectious processes or maybe because of hereditary conditions. ((https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5034075/))
Types of Odontoma
Histopathologically and Radio-graphically it is recognizable in two forms:
- Compound Odontome – Toothlike structure may resemble teeth. More common in Maxilla
- Complex Odontome – Consists of all tooth forming structure but in a disorderly pattern. Calcified tissues found as irregular masses without any similarity to morphology or teeth. More common in Mandible (67 percent). ((Textbook of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 3rd edition by Prof. Dr. Neelima Anil Malik))
According to WHO Odontome can be classified as follows
- Ameloblastic fibro-odontome – Consists of varying amounts of calcified dental tissue
- Odonto-ameloblastoma – It is a very rare tumor and represents as ameloblastoma in clinical and structural form but it contains Enamel and dentin.
- Complex odontome –Here the calcified dental tissues arranged in irregular form without any morphological similarity to teeth.
- Compound odontome-It consists of formed calcified toothlike structures or miniature dwarfed teeth.
Radiographic Features Of Odontoma
Complex and Compound odontoma presents different radiographic features:
Complex
It may appear small large or occasionally huge irregular radio-opaque mass. Complex odontome often surrounded by a thin radiolucent zone. This is frequently associated with a displaced unerupted tooth.
Initially, it presents complete radiolucency, as it calcifies it also presents with radiopacity. In some cases, it can present mixed radiolucency and radiopacity.
Compound
Compound odontoma appearance. AI-generated illustration for educational purposes only; not a patient X-ray and not diagnostic.Appears as a radiopaque mass of calcified structure which resembles with the tooth. This tooth like radioopaque images may be smaller than normal tooth. This radiopacity may be surrounded by a radiolucent zone. Sometimes it prevents the eruption of permanent teeth.
Treatment
Completely calcified complex or compound odontoma can be left inside as it is bio-inert. Surgical removal may be necessary if it blocks the tooth eruption. Recurrence of odontoma is not seen. Surgical excision may also be needed for definite diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Is an odontoma cancer?
No. Odontomas are generally benign developmental growths rather than malignant cancers. They can still block eruption or displace nearby teeth and therefore need professional assessment.
What is the difference between compound and complex odontoma?
A compound odontoma contains organized tooth-like structures and is often found toward the front of the jaws. A complex odontoma contains a disorganized mass of dental hard tissues and more often occurs toward the back.
Does every odontoma require surgery?
Treatment depends on symptoms, size, location, diagnosis and effects on nearby teeth. Surgical removal is common when eruption is blocked or complications are likely, but the oral surgeon should individualize the plan.
Will an impacted tooth erupt after odontoma removal?
It may erupt spontaneously, especially in younger patients with adequate space and favourable tooth position. Some teeth need orthodontic guidance, and others may not be suitable to retain.
For an overview of related lesions, read dental tumours: types, diagnosis and treatment.
Clinical references
- Compound odontoma: differential diagnosis and literature review
- Odontomas: pediatric case report and literature review
- Review of controversies in odontogenic tumours
This article provides general dental education and does not replace examination, imaging, pathology or individualized advice from a dentist or oral and maxillofacial specialist.