DENTINOGENESIS IMPERFECTA

introduction

Dentinogenesis imperfecta is a developmental malformation of the Dentins with considerable consequences for the entire dental hard tissue. The teeth show opalescent discoloration and structural changes in tooth enamel and dentin. That is why they are also called glass teeth. The English name is dark teeth or crownless teeth.

Symptoms

X-ray teeth

The teeth show a bluish, transparent discoloration, and the enamel is cracked and missing, partly because its substructure, the dentin, is malformed (see also: Dentition abnormalities). The dentinal structure is completely abnormal and has no dentinal tubules or their arrangement is completely irregular. The abrasion when chewing the Enamel more and more destroyed, so that the dentine is exposed and is gradually chewed off. In the X-ray there is a reduced contrast representation of the hard tooth tissue. They can also Tooth roots be shortened. The pulp cavity and the root canal can be completely closed by dentine. If there is still a residual pulp, no secondary dentin can be formed from it, as there are no odontoblasts. In general, however, there is no pulp left. This also explains the freedom from pain, although the dentin can be chewed up to the gums. If left untreated, teeth can be chewed down to the gums.

causes

The cause of the Dentinogenesis imperfecta lies in the early development phase of the teeth and is determined by a gene. The disposition is inheritable. During the development of the hard tooth substance, the replacement of the dentin-forming cells with other cells leads to an undersupply of the dentin and the tooth enamel with minerals, which is replaced by increased water retention. This leads to the deformities of the teeth, which only become apparent after the eruption. In addition to the permanent teeth, this undesirable development can also occur in the Milk teeth occur.

therapy

The therapy of Dentinogenesis imperfecta aims in particular to prevent further abrasion and restore the aesthetics. First, the carious defects must be replaced by a Tooth filling be eliminated. In the posterior area, the teeth are provided with metal crowns, after any heavily damaged crowns have been provided with a build-up. In the anterior region, the teeth are restored with plastic or porcelain crowns. This procedure prevents further destruction of the teeth and restores the impaired aesthetics.

Summary

The Dentinogenesis imperfecta is an inheritable, gene-related disease. It leads to a malformation of the dentin with the consequence that the tooth enamel is also loosened by the disturbed dentin substructure and the dentin is released. The abrasion during chewing can break down the dentin down to the gums. The restoration of the aesthetics and the prevention of further damage takes place through extensive dental care.