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.
Ameloblastic fibroma (AF) is a rare, slow-growing benign neoplasm, comprised of tissues of odontogenic origin. It constitutes 2% of odontogenic tumours, occurring at any age, but has a predilection to present in the first two decades of life. AF principally affects the posterior mandible. It is characterized by epithelial islands and cords immersed in ectomesenchyme that mimics the dental papilla and enamel organ but without actual hard tissue formation. Herein, we describe the case of a 6-year-old Caucasian male who presented to the Oral and Maxillofacial Department at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool, UK, with a painless expansile mass in the left mandible which was diagnosed as a benign ameloblastic fibroma and subsequently enucleated and reconstructed with a parietal calvarial bone graft. A brief literature review and the issues surrounding diagnosis are discussed.
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Intracranial involvement as a result of dental infection is a rare but serious complication. The incidence of dental decay and subsequent odontogenic infection is high in the population. A dental abscess may present to the general dental practice, general medical practitioner, or to the accident and emergency department. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential in addition to an awareness of the potential life-threatening sequela if management is delayed. This case report aims to highlight the subdural empyema as a complication of odontogenic infection and resultant treatment.
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