1990 Volume 36 Issue 6 Pages 1498-1505
Fifty-four cases of odontoma were studied radiologically, Of these, 42cases (29 compound and 13 complex types were) studied histopathologically with special emphasis on the growing process.
Radiologically, odontoma was surrounded by a thin radiolucent space, but in 2 cases in which this radiolucent space had widenend, a tumorous growth was histologically observed in the capsule.
In the parenchyme, proliferation of odontogenic epitheliums and ghost cells were observed. Among those cells, dysplastic enamel, dysplastic dentin and osteoid were produced. Those findings suggested inner growth of the tumor.
Concerning the capsule, odontogenic epitheliums and dental hard tissues were scattered in some cases. In two cases of the thickened capsule, many developmental processes to odontoma were observed. Those findings suggested outer growth of the tumor.
After completion of contouring of the tumor, odontoma had the tendency to proceed to the inner growth, but it almost stopped the outward growth.
