HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which of the following terms describes a benign tumor found in the jaw or mouth?

1. Odontoma

2. Cysts

3. Fibroma

4. Phlegmon

The correct answer is: Fibroma

The term that describes a benign tumor found in the jaw or mouth is indeed "Odontoma." An odontoma is a type of benign tumor that is composed of dental tissue. It usually arises within the jaw and can affect tooth development, often leading to delayed eruption of teeth or impaction. While fibromas are benign tumors of fibrous tissue and can occur in the oral cavity, they are not specifically characterized as dental tissue tumors or associated with tooth development, which more closely aligns with what an odontoma represents. Cysts refer to fluid-filled sacs that can occur in various tissues but are not classified as tumors themselves. Phlegmon is an inflammatory process that results in the formation of pus and is not classified as a benign tumor. Hence, odontoma is the most accurate term for a benign tumor specifically associated with the jaw or mouth, highlighting its dental origin and implications.