Impacted canine and ossifying fibroma: case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: An impacted tooth is a permanent tooth that has a completely developed root but which has failed to erupt. Many etiologies can lead to impaction, including a mechanical obstacle, such as benign tumor. Observation: An 11-year-old girl was referred for the avulsion of the left mandibular permanent canine, which was impacted. A radiolucent lesion with ground glass opacity was found on the eruption pathway of the tooth. Anterior radiographs showed the lesion that seemed to be the cause of the impacted canine. Anatomopathological examination revealed the lesion to be a juvenile trabecular ossifying fibroma. Comments: Ossifying fibromas are rare jaw tumors. They can be of various types: ossifying fibroma, psammomatoid, or trabecular juvenile ossifying fibroma. This is the first case that clearly shows the association between ossifying fibroma and tooth impaction. A literature review of ossifying fibromas and the management of fibro-osseous benign lesions of the jaws was performed. Conclusion: Although benign, juvenile trabecular ossifying fibroma can be locally aggressive and has a high rate of recurrence. It is very important to establish a precise diagnosis of a fibro-osseous benign lesion of the jaws to plan optimal management.