Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a group of hereditary conditions that affect the quality and/or the quality of dental enamel. Clinical and radiographic, amelogenesis imperfecta is a dental anomaly primarily affecting the enamel and has been associated with other dental
anomalies: taurodontism- the elongation of the pulp chamber due to apical displacement, congenitally missing teeth, delayed tooth eruption, pathologic dental resorption and pathologic enamel density. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of these anomalies in an amelogenesis imperfecta population. The study group consisted of members of unrelated families- 17 family members with AI (63%) and 10 unaffected family members. Panoramic radiographs were evaluated for taurodontism, congenitally missing teeth, delayed tooth eruption, pathologic dental resorbtion, pulp calcification and radiographic enamel density. Study results shows that 4 members have hypocalcified AI, 7 members have hypoplastic AI and 5 members have X-linked hypomaturation AI. Although AI is traditionally thought to result from genes that are involved primarily in the formation of enamel, this study shows that a variety of non-enamel manifestations can segregate with these disorders. Dental radiographs of AI teeth provide important information for the clinician with respect to the degree of enamel mineralization. AI remains difficult to diagnose because of the lack of objective radiographic and clinical criteria. This investigation clearly supports previous reports showing that AI can involve abnormalities in tooth eruption, pulp calcification, and crown resorption whether these features occur as a direct consequence of the molecular defect that causes enamel malformation or as a result of unknown secondary factors remains to be determined.
- AMELOGENESIS IMPERFECTA
- ASSOCIATES ANOMALIES
- RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMS