Amelogenesis imperfecta: a scanning electron microscopic and histopathologic study

J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2002 Summer;26(4):327-35. doi: 10.17796/jcpd.26.4.3348743513089434.

Abstract

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a hereditary defect in enamel formation affecting both primary and permanent dentition. Scanning electron microscopic investigation is one of the most effective methods in diagnosing and identifying the type of amelogenesis imperfecta. The aim of this study was to investigate the ultrastructure of different types of amelogenesis imperfecta enamel. The primary teeth of three children with AI aged 4, 10 and 11-years-old were studied by scanning electron microscopy and irregular enamel, irregularities in enamel crystallites, hypoplastic areas on the enamel surface were seen. Histopathological evaluation revealed predentin areas with irregular canaliculi between normal dentin and internal resorption areas in the pulp tissue. Conclusively, in amelogenesis imperfecta, enamel tissue is mostly affected besides minor defects in dentinal and pulpal tissue.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amelogenesis Imperfecta / classification
  • Amelogenesis Imperfecta / pathology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Composite Resins
  • Crowns
  • Crystallography
  • Dental Alloys
  • Dental Enamel / abnormalities
  • Dental Enamel / ultrastructure
  • Dental Enamel Hypoplasia / pathology
  • Dental Pulp / ultrastructure
  • Dentin / ultrastructure
  • Dentition, Mixed
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Tooth Discoloration / pathology
  • Tooth Resorption / pathology
  • Tooth, Deciduous / abnormalities
  • Tooth, Deciduous / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Composite Resins
  • Dental Alloys