The use of multidirectional cross-sectional tomography for localizing an odontome

Background. A 7-year old boy was referred with retained maxillary right primary central and lateral incisors. Radiographic exam revealed a large calcified radio-opaque mass overlying the roots of these primary teeth preventing the permanent teeth from erupting. Case Report. The purpose of this paper is to describe the pre-operative use of multi-directional cross-sectional tomography in establishing the relationship between a large complex odontome that was preventing the eruption of a maxillary permanent central incisor. Conclusion. Low dose, multi-directional cross-sectional tomography was beneficial in visualisation of the precise relationship between the large complex odontome and the unerupted permanent incisor. This allowed correct judgement of the position on the odontome prior to its surgical removal