Enamel Hypoplasia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction: Enamel Hypoplasia

Enamel hypoplasia is known as dental implant courses UAE an incomplete or defective formation of
the organic enamel matrix of the teeth in the embryonic stage of the tooth. In this article, learn
about the types and causes, features, and what treatment entails.
Types and Causes
There are two basic types of enamel hypoplasia:
1. Hereditary type enamel hypoplasia. This is an ectodermal disturbance that occurred during the
embryonic development of the enamel. The mesodermal components are normal. Both the deciduous
and permanent teeth are involved and only the enamel is affected.
The three types of hereditary type of enamel hypoplasia are the:
Hypoplastic type, where there is a defective formation of organic matrix.
Hypocalcification type, in which there is a defective mineralization of the matrix.
Hypomaturation type, where there is a defective maturation of the matrix.
2. Environmental type enamel hypoplasia. This is caused by the environmental factors that causes
damage to the enamel cells. Either deciduous or permanent teeth are involved and sometimes a
single tooth is involved. Here, both the enamel and the dentin are involved in varying degrees. The
environmental factors which produce enamel hypoplasia can include:
Nutritional deficiency, especially including lack of vitamins A, C, and D.
Exanthematous (skin) diseases, such as measles, chickenpox, and scarlet fever, among many others.
Congenital syphilis.
Hypocalcemia.
Birth conditions. For example, birth prematurity, birth injury, Rh hemolytic disease, and so forth.
Local infection or trauma.
Ingestion of chemicals such as fluoride etc.
Other unknown causes.
Features
There are many distinct features that are seen in cases of enamel hyperplasia. The signs of enamel
hypoplasia are present when they erupt in the mouth. The usual features of enamel hypoplasia

include:
Enamel that has not formed to a full thickness. The enamel is soft and thin, resulting it to be chipped
away more easily from dental implants course the underlying dentin.
The crowns of the tooth may show discoloration, such as white spots or cloudy opacities. This varies
depending upon the type of the disorder and ranges from white to yellowish white to brown.
Hypoplasia due to congenital syphilis. The front teeth are often characterized by a screwdriver
shaped, also known as Hutchinson's teeth. Also the posterior teeth are referred to as mulberry
molars with a barrel shape.
The hypoplasia seen due to local infection or trauma during the tooth formation exhibits mild
brownish discoloration of the enamel to severe pitting and irregularity of the tooth crown. This may
involve a single tooth, referred to as Turner's Teeth.

When ingesting excessive fluoride

containing drinking water during the time
of tooth formation, results in mottled
enamel are characterized by occasional
white flecks or spotting of the enamel. This
ranges between whitish flecks and white
opaque areas to areas showing pitting and
brownish staining on the enamel surface.
These teeth have a tendency to wear or
fracture.
Treatment
There are several types of treatment
available, depending on what you're
affected by the most.
Sometimes enamel becomes stained with a brown color and so, for cosmetic reasons, the affected
tooth is bleached with an agent such as the hydrogen peroxide. This procedure is done periodically
since it can recur.
When an area is affected by caries, the enamel might crumble as the enamel is weaker in those
areas. The decayed portion of the tooth may be filled with a tooth colored cement.
If the cavity is advanced or extensive, it may need a bigger permanent restoration such as crowns,
onlays, and so forth.
For more specific questions regarding treatment or in general, please consult your dentist.