Regional Odontodysplasia: An Atypical Case Report

Abstract

Regional odontodysplasia (RO) is an unusual developmental anomaly in which ectodermal and mesodermal tooth components are affected. It is a localized, nonhereditary developmental abnormality of teeth with extensive adverse effects on the formation of enamel, dentin and pulp. This article reviews a case of a 16-year-old male who reported with unerupted maxillary anterior teeth. This case was rare in that it involved maxillary dentition with unerupted maxillary anterior teeth on the right side, but on the left side central incisor was unerupted. Radiographically, the affected teeth had a ‘ghostly’ appearance, showing a marked reduction in radiodensity. Both enamel and dentin appeared to be very thin, the pulp chamber was exceedingly large, and the roots were short with wide open apices. All these characteristics were consistent with the diagnosis of regional odontodysplasia. The affected teeth were surgically removed and prosthetic rehabilitation was provided to the patient.