Long-term management of a child with regional odontodysplasia: a case report

Regional odontodysplasia, or "ghost teeth," is a dental abnormality derived from both epithelial and mesenchymal components of the tooth bud. Teeth within a particular quadrant are affected. Affected teeth usually have thin enamel and dentin of poor quality with shortened roots, open apices, or enlarged pulp chambers. The permanent teeth and maxillary arch are observed to be more severely affected than primary teeth and the mandibular arch (ratio=1.6:1), respectively. Eruption of the affected teeth is delayed or may not happen. The cause of the phenomenon is unknown. Since this problem affects both dentitions and can involve multiple care disciplines, patients often require oral care over a long period of time. The purpose of this report was to present the management of a case from initial presentation at the age of 20 months to a final prosthesis completion at the age of 22 years. The long-term treatment may involve a pediatric dentist, orthodontist, oral surgeon, and prosthodontist.