An analysis of compound and complex odontomas.

Three hundred ninety-six odontomas were included in this study, with each case assigned to one of three categories using commonly accepted histologic criteria for compound and complex forms. Analysis revealed that compound odontomas were the most common type (70 percent of all cases). They were most common in the 11 to 15-year-old age-group and in the maxillary incisor area or the canine regions of either jaw. There was a nearly equal sex distribution. Complex odontomas showed similar age and sex distribution; they had a greater tendency to occur in the molar regions. Complex odontomas were also associated with unerupted teeth more often than compound odontomas. Tooth agenesis in the area of an odontoma or the impaction of a primary tooth by an odontoma occurred infrequently. This study showed that there is a correlation between the site of an odontoma and the age at which it is generally treated.