Management of compound odontoma associated with impacted incisor in a female patient: A case report

Abstract

Odontomas are the most common odontogenic lesions, generally regarded as developmental anomalies (hamartomas) rather than true neoplasms. Although often asymptomatic, they can interfere with the eruption of permanent teeth, particularly in children. This case report describes a compound odontoma in a 10-year-old girl that obstructed the eruption of the maxillary left central incisor. Clinical examination revealed a retained primary tooth and absence of its permanent successor, while radiographic imaging showed a well-defined radiopaque mass in the eruption pathway. Surgical removal of the odontoma was performed under local anesthesia. Due to limited resources, the patient’s mother declined orthodontic treatment, opting instead to wait for spontaneous eruption. However, after two years without eruption, a second surgical procedure was carried out to expose the tooth and initiate orthodontic traction. This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis, parental counseling, and interdisciplinary collaboration in managing odontoma-related eruption disturbances in the pediatric population.