Microstructures and mechanical characteristics of primary teeth affected by regional odontodysplasia

Authors

  • Wenxian Jiang Engineering Research Center for Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province. Cancer Center of Zhejiang University. Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province. Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases. Zhejiang University School of Medicine. School of Stomatology. Stomatology Hospital. Department of Pediatric Dentistry https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9371-5481
  • Minjian Shen National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Children's Hospital, Hangzhou Department of Stomatology https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6335-6846
  • Jian Wang Engineering Research Center for Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province. Cancer Center of Zhejiang University. Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province. Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases. Zhejiang University School of Medicine. School of Stomatology. Stomatology Hospital. Department of Pediatric Dentistry https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0961-7432
  • Mengyao Bian Engineering Research Center for Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province. Cancer Center of Zhejiang University. Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province. Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases. Zhejiang University School of Medicine. School of Stomatology. Stomatology Hospital. Department of Pediatric Dentistry https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6102-8240
  • Haiyan Zheng Engineering Research Center for Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province. Cancer Center of Zhejiang University. Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province. Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases. Zhejiang University School of Medicine. School of Stomatology. Stomatology Hospital. Department of Prosthodontics https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7794-0242
  • Zihuai Zhou Engineering Research Center for Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province. Cancer Center of Zhejiang University. Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province. Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases. Zhejiang University School of Medicine. School of Stomatology. Stomatology Hospital. Department of Prosthodontics https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1685-6730
  • Ying Shi Engineering Research Center for Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province. Cancer Center of Zhejiang University. Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province. Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases. Zhejiang University School of Medicine. School of Stomatology. Stomatology Hospital. Department of Pediatric Dentistry https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3376-398X
  • Zhifang Wu Engineering Research Center for Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province. Cancer Center of Zhejiang University. Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province. Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases. Zhejiang University School of Medicine. School of Stomatology. Stomatology Hospital. Department of Pediatric Dentistry https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4122-4786

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/

Keywords:

Odontodysplasia, Primary teeth, X-Ray microtomography, Electron microscope tomography

Abstract

Regional odontodysplasia (ROD) is a rare, localized disorder of tooth hard tissues that can affect primary and permanent dentitions. However, its definitive etiology remains unclear and only a few studies have reported the detailed microstructures and mechanical characteristics of the affected teeth. Objective  This study investigates the microstructural and mechanical characteristics of primary teeth affected by ROD. Methodology  A total of two ROD-affected primary teeth from two different cases underwent clinical examinations. In addition to control samples of caries-free retained primary teeth, the affected samples were examined using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoindentation analysis. Results  Clinical findings revealed yellowish discoloration, rough surfaces, and root resorption on the affected teeth. Radiographs indicated hypocalcified enamel, widened pulp chambers, and delayed development of permanent teeth. Micro-CT showed affected teeth with thinner and uneven enamel, disordered dentin, and reduced mineral density. XRD analysis found reduced crystallinity. SEM and TEM analyses revealed hypoplastic and loosely packed enamel crystals, whereas dentin exhibited disorganized collagen fibrils and poorly mineralized crystals. EDS analysis showed a reduced calcium/phosphorus ratio and an increased magnesium/calcium ratio in the affected enamel. Nanoindentation tests found reduced hardness and elastic modulus in ROD-affected enamel compared with control teeth. Conclusion  ROD-affected primary teeth display significant microstructural abnormalities and compromised mechanical properties, underscoring the need for early intervention and long-term monitoring to prevent complications.

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Published

2026-01-13

Issue

Vol. 34 (2026)

Section

Original Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Wenxian Jiang, Minjian Shen, Jian Wang, Mengyao Bian, Haiyan Zheng, Zihuai Zhou, Ying Shi, Zhifang Wu

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Todo o conteúdo do periódico, exceto onde está identificado, está licenciado sob uma Licença Creative Commons do tipo atribuição CC-BY.

 

 

How to Cite

Jiang, W., Shen, M., Wang, J., Bian, M., Zheng, H., Zhou, Z., Shi, Y., & Wu, Z. (2026). Microstructures and mechanical characteristics of primary teeth affected by regional odontodysplasia. Journal of Applied Oral Science, 34, e20250499. https://doi.org/10.1590/