# Generalized Odontodysplasia: A Case Report of the Oldest Reported Patient

## TL;DR

This paper reports a rare case of generalized odontodysplasia in a 31-year-old woman, the oldest patient ever documented with this dental condition.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in documenting the oldest reported patient with generalized odontodysplasia, expanding the known age range for this rare dental anomaly.

## Key findings

- Generalized odontodysplasia was diagnosed in a 31-year-old woman, the oldest case reported in the literature.
- Clinical and radiological features included small discolored teeth and a 'ghost tooth' appearance on radiographs.
- Histological analysis confirmed aprismatic enamel and interglobular dentin, typical of odontodysplasia.

## Abstract

Odontodysplasia is a dental anomaly that affects the maturation and formation of teeth, resulting in hypoplasia and hypocalcification of both enamel and dentin. It can affect one or several quadrants of the dentition, although generalized involvement is extremely rare. The exact cause is unclear, but trauma, infection, and nutritional or metabolic deficiencies have been suggested as possible contributing factors. Diagnosis requires a combination of clinical and radiological findings. Clinically, it presents as small teeth with yellow or brown discoloration, and it can affect both the primary and permanent dentition. Radiographically, there is reduced radiodensity, giving rise to a blurred or “ghost tooth” appearance. Histologically, these teeth show aprismatic enamel, interglobular dentin, and the presence of enamel-like calcifications known as enameloid conglomerates. Treatment depends on the extent of tooth involvement and the patient's age. This paper reports the case of a 31-year-old woman who presented with this rare anomaly in its generalized form, making her the oldest patient with this diagnosis reported in the literature.