This report presents an unusual case of regional odontodysplasia (RO) in the mandible which crosses the midline along with its clinical management.

RO is an uncommon, nonhereditary unilateral developmental anomaly involving the dental hard tissues, most frequently affecting the maxillary teeth.

RO was diagnosed in a 12-year-old. The dysplastic teeth were the mandibular canines, lateral incisors, central incisors, and the right premolars. The treatment was extraction of the affected teeth followed by provisory prosthetic rehabilitation.

The etiology of RO remains obscure. In this case a possible association with pre-natal trauma is suspected. The literature is not unanimous as to the management of RO. Nevertheless, the presence of a dental abscess is an indication for extraction. Since general bone quality is not affected, a provisory prosthesis was fabricated as the patient waits for future implant rehabilitation. The executed treatment met the expectations of the patient and her mother as it improved the patient's masticatory function, esthetics, and quality of life.

The general practitioner must be prepared to deal with different situations in the dental office. The diagnosis of RO relies mainly on clinical and radiographic findings, and its treatment depends on the affected teeth, the severity of the dysplasia, the presence of infection, and the patient's age.

Volpato L, Botelho G, Casela L, Borges Á, Silva K. Regional Odontodysplasia: Report of a Case in the Mandible Crossing the Midline. J Contemp Dent Pract 2008 March; (9)3:142-148.