Many factors impact our oral health. Some of them, such as consistent dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, are within our control. Our genetics also impacts our oral health, which can lead to conditions like Dentinogenesis Imperfecta (DI). Approximately 1 out of every 7,000 people may be affected by this condition. When facing struggles with our oral health, it’s important to get the support of our dentist to protect our smiles. The Dentistry of Miami team is committed to helping our patients overcome challenges like this through education and exceptional care.
Identifying Dentinogenesis Imperfecta And How To Care For It
Our teeth are constructed in three separate layers. The outermost layer is our enamel, the single most durable material in the human body. Within this layer can be found the dentin, a porous layer that provides sensation to the pulp within the tooth and a softer layer of support for our enamel. It is this layer of our teeth that this condition impacts.
During dental development, patients with this dentinogenesis imperfect cause the teeth to be discolored. In addition to those blue-gray or yellow-brown tones, the teeth are often translucent. DI also makes the teeth more susceptible to breakage, wear, and loss for other reasons. The symptoms of DI may be visible in both primary teeth and adult teeth.
There are three recognized types of dentinogenesis imperfect:
- Class I – Results from osteogenesis imperfect, a condition that causes bones to be easily broken and brittle.
- Class II & III – These DI forms occur in patients with no other observable inherited disorders.
Part of the ongoing discussion surrounding dentinogenesis includes speculation that type II and III are manifestations of another disorder. These two types and another condition, dentin dysplasia type II, have similar symptoms. Dental dysplasia stands apart by primarily impacting baby teeth over adult ones.
DI isn’t curable, but there are a number of approaches to treatment that can help effectively manage the symptoms. Treatment starts with preventative care approaches such as fluoride treatments to reinforce the enamel and prevent damage or breakage. When restoration dentistry becomes necessary, crowns, fillings, and other restorative approaches can be used to produce lasting positive results.
Ongoing and consistent oral hygiene and dental care are essential for patients with this condition. Without maintaining the lasting health of their teeth, they are at great risk of breakage and wear, which can lead to significant pain.
Contact Dentistry Of Miami For More Dentinogenesis Imperfecta Care Tips
Whether you’re struggling with a specialized condition like DI or are just seeking your next family doctor, we’re here for you and your family. We proudly serve Miami, FL, and the surrounding areas by delivering exceptional dental care in a compassionate environment. You can start receiving care for your oral health with us today by calling (305) 598-2622 or reaching out to our team in Miami, FL, today! We’ll schedule you for your first appointment and consultation and discuss the nature of your dental concerns so we can begin developing a treatment plan that will get results.
