Rehabilitation of tooth with Turner's hypoplasia: Case report

Abstract

Enamel defects are qualitative or quantitative changes in the tooth structure originating from systemic, local, or genetic factors. Turner's hypoplasia is a defect in the thickness of the localized enamel whose etiology arises from trauma or periapical infection in the predecessor deciduous tooth, affecting the permanent tooth's development. The objective of the present study was to present a clinical case of a child patient with a hypoplastic Turner premolar tooth, which became non-vital without the occurrence of caries, or additional trauma. Due to the affected tooth's clinical and radiographic characteristics, the risk of cavities, and the patient's cooperative behavior, it was decided to rehabilitate the affected element through endodontic treatment and semidirect restoration in composite resin. It is of fundamental importance to know the etiology and carry out a thorough clinical and radiographic examination aiming at early diagnosis and the development of an adequate treatment plan for all enamel developmental defects, including Turner's hypoplasia, whose treatment will depend on the severity of the change, the patient's behavior and the risk of caries. Studies are suggested to be carried out that associate the microstructure of hypoplastic enamel with the absence of pulp vitality.

Keywords: dental enamel hypoplasia, bicuspid, child, dental care.