The peripheral odontogenic fibroma: an attempt at clarification.

Two different lesions of the gingiva that have been referred to previously as peripheral odontogenic fibromas are discussed. The first of these is the rare extraosseous counterpart of the central odontogenic fibroma (WHO type)1 and is therefore referred to in this article as the peripheral odontogenic fibroma (WHO type). It is probably treated adequately by simple excision, but a study of its biologic behavior is lacking. The second lesion is reactive, is common, and has a marked tendency to recur. It has been known by numerous synonyms, including calcifying fibrous epulis and peripheral ossifying fibroma, as well as peripheral odontogenic fibroma. The term peripheral ossifying fibroma should be retained for this lesion to avoid confusion with the peripheral odontogenic fibroma (WHO type).