CASE REPORT

Regional Odontodysplasia: A Case Report

Abstract

Objective: Regional odontodysplasia (RO) is a rare developmental anomaly affecting enamel and dentin. It is characterized by hypocalcification and hypomaturation, most often affecting a single quadrant, rarely multiquandrites. Diagnosis is usually made between the ages of 1 and 23 years, and in approximately two-thirds of cases, both primary and permanent teeth are affected. Radiographically, affected teeth show large pulp chambers, short roots, open apices, and a characteristic "ghost tooth" appearance. Furthermore, tooth eruption may be delayed or absent altogether.
Case Presentation: A 13-year-old female patient with no history of systemic disease or regular medication use presented to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Dentistry due to functional and aesthetic concerns. Intraoral examination revealed hypoplastic and hypocalcified teeth. Radiographic evaluation demonstrated the characteristic ‘ghost teeth’ appearance. Significant hypocalcification was observed in the enamel and dentin structures of the affected regions. The enamel appeared irregular, fragile, and yellow-brown. Radiologically, shortened and malformed tooth roots were detected. Widespread mineralization anomalies were present, particularly in the canine, premolar, and molar regions of both the maxilla and mandible.
Conclusion: RO is a rare developmental anomaly affecting enamel and dentin. In our patient, BCT and OPG images revealed delayed eruption, hypoplastic enamel, a characteristic ghost tooth appearance, large pulp chambers, and exposed root apices. This case demonstrates the importance of early diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, and long-term follow-up in RO.
Keywords: Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Dental Anomaly, Regional Odontodysplasia