Dysplastic enamel in odontomas.

A series of odontomas was studied by light microscopy, with special emphasis on abnormal enamel in these lesions. The findings were compared to those in amelogenesis imperfecta and in other conditions in which abnormal enamel is found. It was concluded that dysplastic enamel exhibits a number of appearances which are described in this article. A strongly basophilic laminated material was also found, often covering prismatic enamel, but it did not itself appear to be a form of enamel; its identity is not clear. Odontomas, being readily available, offer a good opportunity to study dysplastic enamel.