[Malformations of odontogenic tissue in prehistoric human bone material. A contribution to the differential diagnosis of odontomas].

Three cases of hard tissue formations of odontogenic origin are presented. The objects were discovered among skeletal finds in prehistoric settlements. The morphology of these objects is described with macroscopical, histological, and radiological methods. All three cases are odontomas. The differential-diagnostic possibilities of these formations, their development and the frequency of their occurrence are discussed. Odontomas are not interpreted as tumors, but rather as malformations and are contrasted to blastomas of odontogenic tissues (e.g. ameloblastoma).