ODONTOMA: A MYSTERIOUS FORMATION IN THE JAW IS NOT A TUMOR, BUT A DEVELOPMENTAL DEFECT

This article examines odontoma, the most common benign odontogenic lesion, which in modern dentistry is considered a hamartoma (a developmental defect) rather than a true tumor. It describes in detail the etiology, classification (complex and compound forms), and the characteristic asymptomatic clinical presentation, the main manifestation of which is delayed eruption of permanent teeth. Particular attention is paid to diagnostic methods, among which computed tomography plays a key role, and the only treatment method—surgical removal (enucleation). The importance of differential diagnosis and the favorable prognosis with timely treatment are emphasized.