A spatial association between odontomas and the gubernaculum tracts

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the spatial relationship and/or association between odontomas and the gubernaculum tract or the dental sac and the characteristic findings for radiographic diagnosis of odontomas.

Study design: The visualizations of the odontomas and the gubernaculum tract were retrospectively analyzed using cone beam computed tomography or multidetector computed tomography.

Results: Most of odontomas were within the gubernaculum tract or dental sac of unerupted permanent teeth on computed tomography. In some odontomas, the gubernaculum tract existed as a well-defined low density tract extending from the top of odontomas on computed tomography.

Conclusions: A close spatial relationship and/or association between odontomas and the gubernaculum tract or dental sac on computed tomography may be used as one of the criteria for radiographic diagnosis of odontomas. Development of odontomas may be associated with the gubernaculum tract or dental sac of unerupted permanent teeth.