PERIPHERAL OSSIFYING FIBROMA ASSOCIATED WITH A NATAL TOOTH IN A SEVEN-MONTH-OLD INFANT : A RARE CASE REPORT

Background: Peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is a reactive, nonneoplastic gingival lesion that commonly affects adolescents and young adults. Its occurrence in infants is exceedingly rare, particularly when associated with natal or neonatal teeth. Case presentation: A seven-month-old infant presented with a firm, pedunculated, non-tender gingival growth in relation to a natal tooth. Intraoral radiographic examination revealed a soft-tissue shadow with an ill-defined radiopacity suggestive of poorly calcified dental tissue, along with an erupted deciduous incisor. The lesion was surgically excised using a No. 15 BP blade, and hemostasis was achieved with pressure application and electrocauterization. Histopathological examination of hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections demonstrated lamellar bony trabeculae lined by osteoblasts within a fibrocellular stroma, along with scattered globular basophilic areas indicative of mineralization, confirming the diagnosis of peripheral ossifying fibroma. Follow-up at 24 hours, 3 months, and 6 months showed complete healing with no recurrence.