Unusual peripheral odontogenic tumors in the differential diagnosis of gingival swellings.

Differential diagnosis of gingival mass lesions includes several conditions and causes. Peripheral odontogenic tumors may mimic gingival swellings and, although rare, must be included in the differential diagnosis. The purpose of this article is to describe 3 different cases of peripheral odontogenic tumors and to discuss the differential diagnosis of gingival swelling. Histologic examination is mandatory when localized gingival swellings are surgically removed.