Your dentist has shown you something on your X-ray — a small, abnormal shape near the root of a tooth. They called it an odontome. It sounds worrying, but it is not what you think.
An odontome is a benign hamartoma. That means it is an overgrowth of normal dental tissue — enamel, dentine, and sometimes pulp — that forms in the wrong place. Think of it as a small tangle of tooth material that never quite became a proper tooth.
How do you know you have one?
Most odontomes are found on X-rays during a routine dental visit. They often sit near the roots of teeth, usually in the upper jaw or near the front teeth. Some are small enough to miss without imaging. Others can be large enough to feel or see.
In children or teenagers, an odontome may be discovered when a permanent tooth fails to come through properly — the odontome is blocking it.
Does it cause problems?
Odontomes do not spread or become cancerous. But because they are made of hard dental tissue, they can put pressure on nearby teeth. This may prevent adult teeth from erupting, push teeth out of position, or cause delayed tooth eruption.
In some cases, an odontome can contribute to crowding or cause mild discomfort as it grows. Most people with an odontome have no pain or obvious symptoms at all.
How is it treated?
The usual treatment is surgical removal. This is done under local anaesthetic by an oral surgeon or dentist with experience in minor oral surgery. Once removed, the area heals cleanly and there is rarely any recurrence.
If the odontome was affecting the eruption of a tooth, your dentist will monitor the area afterwards. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be needed to guide the tooth into position.
The earlier an odontome is identified, the less impact it has on your smile and bite. If your dentist has flagged one on an X-ray, it is worth discussing treatment sooner rather than later.
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice