Developmental Defects of Enamel Tissue from Etiology to Minimally Invasive Treatment Procedures

Abstract

The development process of tissue and organs in the living body is managed by genetic components and is affected by systemic diseases or environmental factors such as trauma, chemicals and radiation. Depending on the development phase that these factors occur, conditions such as deviations from normal growth and development, and the disruptions of tissue quantity and quality may occur. Disruption of the normal functioning of the amelogenesis steps for various reasons causes defections of enamel matrix formation, resorption, and subsequent calcification process. Clinically, this situation appears as defects characterized by features ranging from diffuse opacities to the complete absence of tooth enamel. Developmental enamel defects, the prevalence of which varies between 10% and 80%, cause problems that negatively affect individuals' quality of life, such as aesthetic problems, hypersensitivity, rapidly progressing caries, and tooth tissue loss. The aim of this study was to investigate the developmental enamel defects, their relationship with the development stages of the enamel, the etiological factors, in the light of current information. Clinical management of these defects and rehabilitation with minimally invasive approaches were evaluated with exemplary cases.

Keywords: Developmental enamel defects, amelogenesis, enamel hypoplasia, enamel hypomineralization, amelogenesis imperfecta.

DOI: 10.7176/JSTR/6-09-07