BACKGROUND Osteoma is a benign osteogenic lesion characterized by the proliferation of compact or cancellous bone. Although this tumour has a considerable incidence, there are few reports with large samples on this subject. OBJECTIVE To describe clinical features of the osteomas in the craniomaxilofacial region. METHODS Retrospective study of 106 patients diagnosed with 132 osteomas of the craniomaxilofacial region between 1986 and 2003. RESULTS The mean age was 50 years. Osteomas were more frequent in men. Forty-nine per cent were of peripheral type, 29% central osteomas and 21% were located in the paranasal sinuses. Eighty-nine cases (84%) were operated and 80 patients were regularly followed up. Out of these, 73 did not recur. The seven recurrences were central osteomas. CONCLUSIONS Osteomas usually appear in patients with more than 30-year old. Peripheral type showed the highest incidence among these lesions. Central and peripheral osteomas usually do not originate clinical symptoms whereas the ones located in paranasal sinuses can provoke headache and neuralgia/paresthesia.