Amelogenesis Imperfecta: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Amelogenesis Imperfecta is a congenital disorder in which the outer layer of the teeth called Enamel fails to develop properly. People that are suffering from Amelogenesis Imperfecta have sensitive, small yellow or brown teeth that break easily. Additionally, the lower jaw and upper jaw teeth are not aligned properly such and do not meet when the mouth is closed. It happens because of mutations in the genes AMELX, ENAM, MMP20, KLK-4 primarily and can occur even when nobody has had Ameleogenesis Imperfecta in your family history. Usually it is of four types.

In type I or Hypoplastic Amelogenesis Imperfecta, there is a lack in the amount of enamel created. Though the enamel formed is hard, there is not enough for all the teeth and this usually results in teeth with pits and grooves depending on the amount of enamel present on the teeth.

In Type II or Hypomaturation Amelogenesis Imperfecta though there is enough amount of enamel, Neither does the Enamel form nor grow properly. This results in soft enamel which though thick rapidly wears away providing a mottled appearance to the teeth.

In Type III or Hypocalcified Amelogenesis Imperfecta, the enamel is thick enough but very brittle with traces of tartar and thus gets easily worn off.

In Type IV Amelogenesis Imperfecta, there is a mix of Type I and Type II. Additionally, the teeth apart from misalignment of the lower and upper jaw teeth, also exhibit another condition called taurodontism where the body and pulp of the molar tooth is enlarged abnormally at the expense of the root.

The treatment of Amelogenesis Imperfecta is done through preventive and restorative dental care for conserving the patients remaining enamel or in certain case where the teeth

Usually diagnosis of Amelogenesis Imperfecta is done through X – rays and radiographic test of teeth. Through radiographic tests the enamel and dentin of the teeth are analysed to identify the type of Amelogenesis Imperfecta and the stage it is at. Treatment for Amelogenesis Imperfecta can either be preventive or restorative by nature. Patients go for preventive treatment when they want to prevent further deterioration and loss of enamel or when they want to eliminate the need of future corrective dental procedures. Preventive dental care consists of maintaining good oral habits, medications, regular dental checkups and professional cleaning, fluoride treatments etc. Restorative treatment is done when the Amelogenesis Imperfecta condition has gone to a more advanced stage. In such treatments the objective is to restore functionality and appearance of the teeth. Restorative treatment for Amelogenosis Imperfecta depends on a variety of factors like severity of enamel loss, periodontal condition, loss of tooth structure, endodontic status, etc. For mottled and spotted teeth procedures like micro abrasion using acidic slurry, bleaching or tooth whitening treatment is done. In case that the enamel has worn off or the teeth are chipped then procedures like crown lengthening surgery, artificial dental cap or crown treatments are done.

As soon as one is diagnosed with Amelogenesis Imperfecta, the person should immediately start with the treatment to prevent further detoriation of Enamel and teeth condition

Everybody is eligible fo rthe surgery

While in case of preventive treatment there are no side effects sometimes when restorative treatment is done, side effects may occur. In case of teeth whitening procedures, the chances are there that sensitivity of the teeth may increase due to bleaching. Use of fluoride-based toothpastes helps prevent this. When dental cap or crown treatment is done people think that they being artificial wont be affected. Due to this they may not maintain oral hygiene properly. Though the crown may not get affected, plaque may get deposited at the base of the crown near the gums. This can result in problems like gum diseases (gingivitis, etc.) and tooth decay.

Since the instructions for maintaining oral hygiene are a part of the treatment done for Ameleogenesis Imperfecta irrespective of whether they are restorative or preventive by nature, hence there are no additional post treatment guidelines to follow. All you have to do is, ensure that you follow the dentist’s instructions properly.

The treatment of Ameleogenesis Imperfecta consists of maintaining good oral habits. If this is stopped then enamel erosion may appear again. Similarly in case of dental crown treatment also whether re crowning of teeth is required, will depend a lot on your oral habits.

The Treatment for Amelogenesis Imperfecta cost around Rs 3,000 – 15,000

The treatment of Ameleogenesis Imperfecta consists of maintaining good oral habits. If this is stopped then enamel erosion may appear again. Similarly in case of dental crown treatment also whether re crowning of teeth is required, will depend a lot on your oral habits.

The treatment of Ameleogenesis Imperfecta consists of maintaining good oral habits. If this is stopped then enamel erosion may appear again. Similarly in case of dental crown treatment also whether re crowning of teeth is required, will depend a lot on your oral habits.