Rare gingival odontoma: Report of a case and review of literature

Abstract

Peripheral odontogenic tumors are rare with mostly single case reports or a small series of case reports. Odontoma is the most common central odontogenic tumor, but odontomas arising in the extra-osseous soft-tissue, also known as peripheral odontoma (PO), are extremely uncommon. To the best of our knowledge, very few cases of POs have been previously reported. Here, we report an additional case of PO occurring in the gingiva with review of literature on clinical features. A 15-year-old male patient complained of two tiny, asymptomatic, white masses in the left upper labial gingiva. On gross examination, specimens were oval in shape, measuring 0.3 cm, white in color and hard to firm in consistency with a smooth surface. Hematoxylin and eosin stained decalcified sections revealed enamel matrix and dentinal tubules in cross-section with entrapped core of pulpal tissue. All tissues were arranged in a disorganized pattern. A final diagnosis of peripheral complex odontoma of gingiva was given. Clinical features of previously reported cases, together with the current case were reviewed. Features of this interesting odontogenic entity add to our knowledge and are of special relevance to pediatric health-care providers, since PO of gingival origin usually occurs in young children.