Dentinal dysplasia is an inherited tooth disease affecting dentin, the largest portion of the tooth structure. Two types are recognized, with treatment options including regular dental care, fillings, and extractions. Genetic counseling may be necessary for families with a history of the condition.
Dentinal dysplasia is an inherited tooth disease that involves the underlying dentin that makes up the tooth structure. Representing the largest portion of the tooth, dentin is a hard material found under the enamel, surrounding the center of the tooth’s pulp. Two forms of this condition are recognized; type one dentinal dysplasia is also known as the radicular form, while type two is the coronal form. Treatment options involve keeping your teeth as healthy as possible with regular dental care and attention. This may include fillings and extractions to address oral health concerns as the patient grows.
Genetically, this appears to be a dominant trait. In people with the radicular form of dentin dysplasia, the pulp chambers in the teeth are undeveloped and the roots may be shortened. The external appearance of the teeth may be normal, and the problem may persist through to the permanent teeth, causing lifelong oral health problems. These patients are at a higher risk of losing their teeth in their lifetime and may experience complications such as tooth decay.
Type two patients have enlarged pulp chambers and discolored teeth. This tends to occur mostly in baby teeth. When the patient loses the primary teeth and permanent replacements grow in, they can be healthy and normal. Radiologically, the two types look slightly different, which makes it possible to use dental X-rays to differentiate a patient’s specific form of dentin dysplasia.
Treatments may include regular cleanings, scaling, and checkups to monitor oral health. These provide the opportunity to intervene quickly if the patient develops a problem. If teeth are lost due to dentin dysplasia, your doctor may place a spacer or denture. This can help keep the other teeth in place, as well as allow the patient to eat and talk normally. At the same time, dentists may check for other problems such as gum recession which could complicate the patient’s case.
People from families with a history of dentinal dysplasia can pass this condition on to their children. Parents concerned about this can meet with a genetic counselor to discuss their options. Their children may need careful evaluation early in life to identify any dental abnormalities as early as possible. Dentine dysplasia doesn’t always manifest in exactly the same way, so a parent with the condition shouldn’t assume that a child’s will take the same form. Larger or fewer teeth may be involved, and your child may have varying levels of complications in association with the condition.
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