Article Type : Case Report
Authors : Shihabi S and Hasan A
Keywords : Amelogenesis Imperficta (AI); Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH); Stainless steel crowns (SSCs)
Amelogenesis imperfecta is a complicated group of an inherited,
congenital disorders that affects tooth enamel development, and clinically
assumes as a quantitative and qualitative changes in enamel structure for both
primary and permanent dentition [1]. AI usually not related to any syndromes,
diseases or genetic disorders [2], and can be inherited in an autosomal
recessive, autosomal dominant or x- Linked [3].
The genes that
provide instructions for making proteins that are essential for normal tooth
development are enamelin, ameloblastin, tuftelin, MMP-20 and kallikrein, hence
the mutations in these genes can cause AI [4]. The exact prevalence of AI is
unknown, but it seems to be very widely, it's estimated to be 1 in 700 people
in northern Sweden to 1 in 14,000 people in the United States [5,6]. The
autosomal dominant AI is the most prevalent in United States and Europe,
however the autosomal recessive AI in the Middle East was the most [6-7].
The clinical manifestation of AI include smaller, sensetive teeth with yellow or brown discoloration, rapid attrition, excessive calculus deposition, gingival hyperplasia and bite malocclusion, The exact characteristics of the enamel defect depend on the types of AI which involved hypoplastic, hypocalcified and hypomaturation as shown in (Table 1) [8].
The final and specific diagnosis of the AI types
depends on histological and genetic examination, rather than scanning electron
microscope would be the most effective diagnostic method [9]. Differential
diagnosis involved dental fluorosis, which can distinguished from AI by
patient's questioning about any excessive fluoride intake, eating toothpaste or
water supply in childhood. Fluorosis represented clinically as a horizontal
white banding on the developmental synchronization teeth [10]. Molar incisor
hypomineralization (MIH) may be also considered as above [10].
A 5-years-old male patient presented to the Department
of pedodontics, Damascus University, with the chief complaint of rough, yellow,
discolored teeth that did not remove by tooth brushing and sensitivity to cold.
These features were exited since first primary teeth were erupted according to
parents questioning. The patient did not have any previous or current genetic
disease; however, his cousin suffered from the same problem according to
medical and family history. The dental history shows that it was the first
patient's visit to the dental clinic since birth. After the first visit the
patient was evaluated as definitely positive, interested in the dental
procedures, according to FRANKL behavioral rating scale. Clinical examination
shows primary and permanent teeth with structural loss, discoloration, and
caries on 54, 55, 64, 65, 74, 75, 84, 85, 16, 26, 36, and 46. Moreover,
anterior skeletal open bite was recorded (Figure 1-3). Panoramic radiography
shows a thin enamel layer and totally existence of permanent teeth (Figure 4).
A comprehensive treatment plan was done to provide functional, esthetic and emotional demands. The treatment divided into two sessions, at the first session the pedodontist restore the first and second primary molars with composite restoration (Z250TM 3MESPE, USA) and stainless steel crowns (SSCs) (3MTMESPETM, USA) after caries excavation with or without Pulpotomy. Caries removal, composite restoration (Z250TM 3MESPE, USA) and SSCs (3MTMESPETM, USA) were also done for the first permanent molars. Composite veneers (Z250TM 3MESPE, USA) for primary canine were done. All composite restorations were done under rubber dam (Figure 5). Patient's follow-ups were done every six months to estimate oral hygiene and to apply fluoride varnish (3MTMVarnishTM5% sodium fluoride) (Figures 6,7).
Figure 1: Skeletal open bite.
Figure 2: Occlusal view of the maxillary jaw.
Figure 3: Occlusal view of the maxillary jaw.
Figure 4: Panoramic radiography at the begining of the treatment.
Figure 5: The first session of restorative treatment.
Figure 6: Follow up after one year: the eruption of the anterior upper and lower permanent teeth.
Figure 7: Apical radiography after one year follow-up.
After upper and lower permanent incisors eruption
(Figure 6), the patient referred to the department of orthodontics - Damascus
University to manage the anterior skeletal open bite. Posterior bite plane with
a tongue crib were chosen to correct this case. The device was used all over
the time except of food time, and school hours to avoid bulling from
classmates. Recall appointments for orthodontic status were done every four
weeks.
After three years of follow- up appointments, clinical and radiographic examination shows that upper/lower premolars were erupted, skeletal open bite were improved and the SSC for upper left molar needs to replace (Figures 8,9). Finally, Pits and fissures sealant (Clinpro™ 3M ESPE, USA) were applied to all premolars after hypochlorite application.
Figure 8: Follow-up after three years.
Figure 9: Apical radiography after three years follow-up.
Treatment plan for children with AI considered as a
challenge, it depends on many factors such as age, patient's cooperation,
esthetic demands, socioeconomic status, intraoral situation and the onset of
the treatment [11,12]. The treatment will extend for a long-term to achieve
regular restorative treatment for both dentition and to maintain a high level
of oral hygiene [13].
Oral rehabilitation of children with mixed dentition
and skeletal open bite is more complex hence; the treatment will be through the
period of growth and the restorative treatment for both primary and permanent
dentition is necessary to assure the maintenance of masticatory, pronunciation,
esthetic and emotional function. In this case, SSCs were done for primary and
first permanent molars. SSCs consider a non-invasive, durable, reliable, rapid
and economical choice that provide a full crown coverage [14].
Direct composite veneers for primary canines were necessary to protect
the remaining tooth structure against further wear, to reduce sensitivity, to
cover the discoloration and to improve the esthetic appearance. Preventive
aspects, that include topical fluoride, dietary and oral hygiene instruction
was done every six months [15]. The posterior bite plane was chosen to allow
additional eruption for anterior teeth and to enhance the relative intrusion of
the posterior teeth, which led to correct the anterior open bite [16]. Moreover,
tongue crib prevents it from pushing directly against the palatal surfaces of
the upper anterior teeth, thereby eliminating the undesired pressure
contributing to the open bite [17]. At the last recall appointment, pits and
fissures sealant were applied to prevent
enamel demineralization, however to have a maximum sealant retention we applied
hypochlorite for 60 seconds prior to acid etching to ensure enamel surface
deproteinisation [18].
Diagnosis AI as early as possible will offer a rapid
intervention to restore affected teeth thereby reducing dental wearing and
sensitivity. Dental practitioners should take the esthetics demands and social
implication in consideration when treat patients with AI.
This study has been carried out at the faculty of
dentistry-Damascus University, Syria, which deserve a great appreciation for academic
and financial support.