Regional odontodysplasia: Report of a rare case and review of literature

Regional odontodysplasia is a rare developmental anomaly involving both mesodermal and ectodermal components in a group of teeth normally in the same area of jaw. it affects the primary and permanent dentition in maxilla or mandible. the affected teeth are often grossly malformed showing deficient and abnormal formation of dentine and enamel and develop abscesses soon after eruption. radio graphically the appearance of the teeth is very characteristic and is called as ghost teeth due to the thin shell of enamel and dentine enclosing a large pulp chamber. the etiology is uncertain but it is suggested that multiple factors play a role. the condition is not inherited nor related to genetics though many patients of regional odontodysplasia are seen to suffer from vascular nevi. the treatment plan in each case should be based on degree of involvement as well as functional and aesthetic needs in each case. treatment modalities vary from conservative procedures that will help retain teeth for longer periods of time to auto transplantation or extraction and implants in hopeless cases. this is a case of a fourteen year old girl with the rare anomaly on the right side of the mandibular arch involving only the first and second permanent molars. the clinical and radiographic features and treatment is discussed. the literature is reviewed in detail.