According to clinical trials, topical fluoride treatment in the form of gel or varnish is effective in preventing tooth decay in children with enamel defects. Treatment with other topical agents, such as calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), may also be effective in the remineralization of areas with congenital or carious enamel defects.In decayed teeth with enamel defects, only bonded restorations (e.g. glass ionomer, polyacid-modified composite resin and not amalgam) should be placed and cavity margins should not be placed in areas of defective enamel as this may lead to marginal leakage and recurrent decay. Stainless steel crowns with conservative preparation may be an effective method to eliminate sensitivity and prevent further breakdown in teeth with enamel defects requiring full-coverage crowns. Other conditions affecting enamel development
Hypomineralization or hypocalcification, as opposed to hypoplasia, refers to a decrease in the mineral content of the enamel, not the total amount present. It can vary in its presentation, and teeth may appear visually normal or highly translucent. Affected enamel is softer and more susceptible to acid, wear and decay. Molar-incisor hypomineralization
Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a condition in which there are areas of hypomineralized or hypomatured enamel on the crowns of permanent molars and incisors. In these cases, teeth may lose their weakened enamel shortly after eruption and are highly susceptible to dental caries. Affected teeth are highly sensitive to chemical and thermal irritants, and may also be difficult to obtain anesthesia.
The causes of MIH are thought to be similar to those of other forms of enamel hypoplasia, but occur concurrently with crown development in the permanent molars and incisors (birth to approximately 3 years of age). Turners hypoplasia
Turners hypoplasia or Turners tooth is a presentation of enamel hypoplasia that normally affects only a single tooth. Its causes can be the same as other forms of enamel hypoplasia, but it is most commonly associated with trauma to a primary maxillary central incisor and the subsequent developmental disturbance of the underlying permanent tooth. This may also result in dilaceration of the root of the permanent tooth. References


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