Radiographic findings of abnormalities in primary teeth. Regional odontodysplasia

Abstract

Introduction: The dental evaluation by the pediatric dentist should involve the aspects of medical history, clinical evaluation and radiographic images, always considering radiation exposure. A routine examination may be altered after evaluating the radiographic findings. There are multiple dental anomalies that can only be diagnosed through these diagnostic images. Regional odontodysplasia is a non-hereditary developmental anomaly that affects enamel, dentin and pulp formation. It is an uncommon finding and has a slight female predominance. Its presence in more than two quadrants is rare and is usually followed by affected permanent teeth. Case report: A 2-year-old female patient, with a non-contributory medical history, presented to the clinic for moderate pain in the upper left quadrant. The patient was clinically evaluated and it was observed that the cusp of the D-piece was semi-erupted. Swelling was observed in the left cheek causing facial asymmetry. Clinically, teeth D and E of the second quadrant have not erupted, unlike the primary molars of the third quadrant. Radiographically, a change in density of teeth D and E of the second quadrant with an appearance of phantom teeth was observed. Conclusion: The use of radiographic images as a complement to the evaluation by the pediatric dentist is essential to be able to carry out an adequate diagnosis and treatment plan and can help us find dental anomalies which cannot be diagnosed clinically.