Regional Odontodysplasia: Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Natural Inhibitors

Regional odontodysplasia is a localized disorder of tissues of dental origin that results in a ghost-like appearance of the affected teeth. We present a case with a study of gingival tissue around the follicle. The results show evidence of the role of the matrix metalloproteinases and their natural inhibitors by resident cells in this pathosis. An imbalance in the amounts of matrix metalloproteinases and their natural inhibitors is associated with the pathologic breakdown of the collagen.