Dentinogenesis imperfecta is a genetic condition that alters the normal development of teeth, affecting their color and translucency. Teeth will also be prone to rapid wear, fractures and even tooth loss. These problems can affect both permanent teeth and temporary teeth.
The cause of this condition is a mutation in a gene; no other factors are known to cause dentinogenesis imperfecta. Both men and women can be affected equally and the first signs appear in childhood.
Signs and symptoms that may appear are: the teeth may be blue-grey or yellow-brown in color, they may have mobility, fractures, small holes in the enamel, some people may also have problems with speech or incorrectly positioned teeth.
Dentinogenesis imperfecta is diagnosed following a dental check-up and dental X-rays, showing 3 types of dentinogenesis imperfecta:
Type I – these individuals also have osteogenesis imperfecta
Type II – the dentin will be yellow-brown or multicolored, the root of the tooth will be shorter than normal and the pulp chamber may be missing. It is the most common type of dentinogenesis imperfecta
Type III – permanent or temporary teeth will be multicolored and the pulp chamber of the teeth will be wide
This dental abnormality is autosomal dominant, meaning that one copy of the altered gene in each cell is enough to cause it. In most cases, a person with dentinogenesis imperfecta has a parent with the condition, but it is also possible for it to occur for the first time in a person who does not have a parent with the condition.
Treatment
The aims of treatment for dentinogenesis imperfecta are to eliminate sources of infection or pain, restore esthetics and protect teeth from wear.
Treatment varies depending on the age of the patient and the severity of the problem.
Treatment options include veneers to cover tooth discoloration, composite restorations, crowns and bridges. Dentures or dental implants may also be used if some teeth have fallen out, but only after the age of 18, when growth is considered complete.
Teeth whitening is contraindicated, although a slight change in tooth color has been reported; however, this discoloration is caused primarily by the yellow-brown dentin under the enamel, and in cases of significant discoloration, teeth whitening is unlikely to have any effect.
The aims of early treatment of DI in the primary dentition are as follows:
1. To maintain dental health and preserve the vitality, size and shape of the dentition.
2. Ensuring an esthetic appearance of the patient by the dentist as early as possible to prevent psychological problems.
3. Providing a functional dentition to the patient.
4. Prevention of loss of vertical occlusal dimension.
5. Avoiding interference with the eruption of the remaining permanent teeth.
In conclusion, dentinogenesis imperfecta cannot be avoided as long as there are cases of this anomaly in the family, and it is very likely to be inherited from the child.
Therefore, check-ups can be carried out during pregnancy to detect the condition and the parents can be informed about the possible procedures that can be carried out after the baby is born and the first teeth appear.
