HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which of the following describes an odontoma?

1. A neoplasm associated with the heart

2. A tumor caused by viral infection

3. An abnormal cell proliferation in dental tissue

4. A benign growth in oral muscle

The correct answer is: An abnormal cell proliferation in dental tissue

An odontoma is characterized as an abnormal proliferation of cells in dental tissue, specifically reflecting a tumor that arises from the tooth-forming tissues. This type of growth can disrupt normal dental development and may manifest as a hamartomatous tumor, which is composed of a mix of dental tissues, such as enamel, dentin, and pulp. These lesions are generally considered benign, but they can lead to delayed eruption of teeth or other orthodontic complications. The other options do not accurately describe an odontoma. For instance, the description of a neoplasm associated with the heart pertains to a completely different type of tumor, unrelated to dental tissues. The notion of a tumor caused by viral infection typically refers to lesions arising from viral agents, which does not align with the etiology or characteristics of odontomas. Lastly, a benign growth in oral muscle would refer more appropriately to a myogenic tumor, rather than a dental tissue-based growth like an odontoma.