When you hear the word "tumor," there's a good chance you think of cancer. Fortunately, with an odontoma, that's not the case. While an odontoma is a tumor, it's a benign one and not uncommon. That alone is great news! However, odontomas usually require surgical removal. They're made up of dental tissue that resembles abnormal teeth or calcified mass that invade the jaw around your teeth and could affect how your teeth develop. Fortunately, treatment is pretty straightforward and the road to a tumor-free life is one frequently traveled.
Types of Odontomas
There are 2 main types of odontomas:
- Compound:
- Consisting of many, tiny tooth-like bits
- Usually found in the lower jaw
- Most often occurs during your teenage years
- It affects men and women equally
- Complex:
- Made up of an assortment of dental tissue (enamel, dentin, etc.)
- Usually found within the upper jaw
- Most often occurs during your 20s
- It affects men and women equally
Diagnosis and Symptoms
Since odontomas grow internally around your teeth, an X-ray from your dentist is necessary to identify them, notes the AAPD. The shape will indicate to your dentist whether it's compound or complex. While they are asymptomatic, the West Indian Medical Journal Review notes your odontoma could cause:
- Pain
- Discomfort
- Swelling
- Tooth displacement
Nearly 80% of those affected by odontomas, though, have teeth that haven't erupted yet. Plus, since they're noncancerous, they rarely grow back after removal.
Removal
Removal surgery has been the tried-and-true treatment plan for odontomas — especially if they are causing any pain or affecting your teeth to erupt unnaturally. Some other things to know about odontoma removal surgery:
- An oral or maxillofacial surgeon should consult your dentist on the surgery
- The unerupted tooth associated with odontoma could be extracted if it's not developing correctly
- If you have a tooth that needs extraction, discuss tooth replacement options and alignment issues with your dentist and/or orthodontist
Your dentist will likely recommend a combination of the following after surgery to help you heal:
- Proper oral hygiene
- Cold and soft meals
- No physical exercise for the first 48 hours
- Pain relief medication
- Antibiotic medication (if an infection is a concern)
Going through surgery is most likely your path should you be stricken with odontomas. But, it sure beats radiation or chemotherapy you'd have to face with cancer. Plus, the surgery to remove your odontomas is very common with few complications. Just remember to see your dentist regularly so they can identify the odontomas as early as possible on your X-rays.
