Dentinogenesis imperfecta: an early treatment strategy

Dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI) type 2 is a disease inherited in a simple autosomal dominant mode. As soon as the teeth erupt the parents may notice the problem and look for a pediatric dentist's advice and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment of DI is recommended, as it may prevent or intercept deterioration of the teeth and occlusion and improve esthetics. The purpose of this article is to present the objectives, treatment options, and problems encountered in the treatment of DI in the early primary dentition. A two-stage treatment of a toddler under general anesthesia is described and discussed. This paper recommends for severe cases of DI two treatment stages performed under general anesthesia. Stage 1 is early (around age 18-20 months) and is directed to covering the incisors with composite restorations and the first primary molars with preformed crowns. Stage 2 (around age 28-30 months) seeks to protect the second primary molars with preformed crowns and cover the canines with composite restorations.