Regional odontodysplasia (ROD) is a localized developmental anomaly of the dental tissues. The teeth of individuals with ROD are usually hypoplastic, small and atypically shaped with surface pits and grooves and a yellowish or brownish discoloration. The condition usually affects the maxilla more than the mandible and is generally unilateral. Other common features include eruption failure or delay, and abscesses or fistulae in the absence of caries. Radiographic examination reveals a lack of contrast between enamel and dentin, with very thin (ghost-like) layers. The pulp looks large and pulp stones or denticles can be seen. Histological features include mixed areas of cellular, amorphous and interglobular dentin. The enamel is hypoplastic, and hypocalcified areas and invaginations from the enamel surface into the dentin layer have been observed and may result in bacterial contamination of the pulp, leading to pulpitis or necrosis. The bone itself is not affected.
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