HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is an odontoma?

1. A type of tooth cavity

2. A benign tumor made up of dental tissues

3. A procedure for tooth extraction

4. A dental cleaning technique

The correct answer is: A benign tumor made up of dental tissues

An odontoma is a benign tumor that is formed from dental tissues, which can include enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp. These tumors are typically considered hamartomas, meaning they consist of an abnormal mixture of tissues that are normally present in the area. Odontomas can vary in size and may be classified into two types: compound odontomas, which resemble miniature teeth, and complex odontomas, which have a more disorganized structure. Their benign nature means that they usually do not spread to other parts of the body, but they can sometimes interfere with the eruption of teeth or cause other dental issues. Understanding odontomas is important for dental professionals, as they must be able to identify and differentiate these tumors from other dental conditions during diagnosis and treatment.