Cervicofacial infection in a 3-year-old child with regional odontodysplasia: A case report and literature review

Regional odontodysplasia (RO) also known as ghost teeth is a rare developmental anomaly affecting the mesodermal and ectodermal components of teeth with characteristic clinical and radiographic findings. The enamel and dentin are hypomineralized and hypocalcified with short roots and open apices. The affected teeth have an abnormal morphology, meaning they are fragile and thin and liable to fracture and decay. Radiographically, there is a marked reduction in radiodensity with little distinction between the enamel and dentin, hence the term “ghost teeth.” RO generally affects one particular segment in one or both arches of the maxilla or mandible and can affect both the primary and permanent dentition. We report a unique case of a 3-year-old female who presented to Alder Hey Children's Hospital acutely unwell with a left-sided cervicofacial swelling from RO affecting the entire portion of the left maxilla.