There is increasing but still not convincing evidence that residues of odontogenic epithelium play a major role in the pathogenesis of human, epithelial odontogenic neoplasms, hamartomas and cysts. In order to appreciate the development of these lesions, a knowledge of early stages of the human odontogenesis, is a basic requirement. The development of the dental laminae, the Hertwigs epithelial root sheath is reviewed, as is their final disintegration leading to the formation of Serres pearls and rests of Malassez. The gubernaculum dentis, which connects the gingival lamina propria with the perifollicular tissue of the developing tooth, harbours dental laminae remnants which may develop into epithelial odontogenic lesions. Based on morphological studies, the likely origins of 10 odontogenic lesions from residues from dental laminae, oral epithelium, reduced enamel epithelium and Hertwigs epithelial root sheath are tabulated, and commented upon. The use of molecular methodologies in this field is just emerging, and the results will, in the years to come, undoubtedly change our viewpoints, and are awaited with great anticipation.
human odontogenesis, dental lamina, Serres pearls, rests of Malassez, epithelial odontogenic neoplasms, hamartomas and cysts