Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of dentin dysplasia is unknown. It is a genetic disorder.
Clinical presentation
Dentin dysplasia is classified into two types – radicular dentin dysplasia or type 1 and coronal dentin dysplasia or type 2. In radicular dentin dysplasia or type 1, both the deciduous and permanent dentitions are affected, the crown appears normal, there is defect in dentin formation, and there is pulp obliteration. Roots are short, blunt, and conical. The color of teeth is usually normal. It is sometime rootless. There is decrease in pulp space. In coronal dentin dysplasia or type 2, there is brownish blue discoloration of deciduous teeth; there is pulp chamber obliteration. Permanent teeth are usually unaffected or only mildly affected. Normal roots with complete pulpal obliteration and presence of pulp stones is seen.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the dentist helps in diagnosis. Dental x-ray helps in diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment involves extraction of the teeth where there is pulp necrosis and periapical abscess. Periapical surgery and retrograde filling in teeth with long roots will also help in managing dentin dysplasia.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating dentin dysplasia. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly, the Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating dentin dysplasia.
