Developmental Anomalies of Oral and Paraoral Structures

Types of developmental anomalies

Congenital anomalies - The defects, which are present at birth or before birth during the intrauterine life, are known as congenital anomalies.

Hereditary developmental anomalies - When certain defects are inherited by the offspring from either of the parents, it is called hereditary anomaly. Such types of anomalies are always transmitted through genes. 

Acquired anomalies - Acquired anomalies develop during intrauterine life due to some pathological environmental conditions. They are not transmitted through genes.

Hamartomatous anomalies - A hamartoma can be defined as an excessive, focal overgrowth of mature, normal cells and tissues, which are native to that particular anatomic location.

Developmental abnormalities occurring due to such hamartomatous change in the tissue are known as hamartomatous developmental anomalies.

Idiopathic anomalies - Developmental abnormalities of unknown cause are called idiopathic anomalies.