Diagnostic challenges in segmental odontomaxillary dysplasia: a focus on differential diagnosis

Segmental odontomaxillary dysplasia is a rare and often under-recognised disorder, characterised by asymptomatic, unilateral maxillary enlargement and dento-osseous abnormalities. Differential diagnoses for unilateral maxillomandibular expansion range from benign, conservatively managed lesions to aggressive malignancy with poor prognoses. Primary conditions to consider include fibro-osseous lesions such as fibrous dysplasia and ossifying fibroma, as well as regional odontodysplasia, cementoblastoma and gnathic osteosarcoma. Comprehensive clinical, radiological and histological evaluations are essential to ensure accurate diagnosis, allowing clinicians to distinguish segmental odontomaxillary dysplasia from other conditions and effectively rule out neoplasia.