tooth enamel hypoplasia

Etiology

• trauma to the teeth & jaws,
• intubation of premature infants
• infections during pregnancy or infancy
• poor pre-natal & post-natal nutrition,
• hypoxia
• exposure to toxic chemicals
• hereditary disorders

Pathology

• defect in tooth enamel
• can occur on any tooth, on multiple teeth, or on all teeth

Clinical manifestations

• tooth sensitivity
• cosmetic disorder
• can occur on any tooth or on multiple teeth
• may appear as a horizontal line, a series of pits or grooves along the outer surface of the tooth

Complications

• susceptibity to dental cavities

Management

• bonding a tooth colored material to the tooth to protect it from further wear or sensitivity
• stainless steel crowns
• permanent cast crowns
• extraction of affected teeth & replacement with a bridge or implant.

More general terms

• tooth disease; odontogenic disease