Piecemeal Resection of a Large Complex Odontoma Obstructing Upper Canine Eruption: A Case Report

Odontomas are the most common odontogenic tumors that affect the oral cavity. They are asymptomatic bony lesions that vary in size and often lead to impaction or delayed eruption of associated teeth. The purpose of this study was to report a case of a large complex odontoma causing impaction of the maxillary left permanent canine with persistent pain, which was treated by piecemeal resection.

A 32-year-old female reported persistent symptoms of pain and pressure on the left side of her face. Clinical examination revealed a small hard growth in the left canine region of the maxilla associated with an impacted permanent canine. Radiograph examination revealed a homogenous mass of calcified material lying just coronal to the impacted canine with similar radiodensity to the tooth structure and surrounded by a thin radiolucent rim, suggestive of an odontoma. The odontoma was accessed under local anesthesia via an intraoral approach and was surgically excised for future eruption of the impacted permanent canine.

Conservative surgical removal of odontomas is straightforward, but requires careful attention if the impacted tooth undergoes further orthodontic treatment. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent eruption disturbances and cyst formation. The prognosis is generally good, and surgical excision is a reliable treatment.