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Updated: Mar 25, 2026
Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Microscopic structure of dental hard tissues in primary and permanent teeth from individuals with Prader-Willi
Ronnaug Saeves1, Randi Furseth Klinge2, Steinar Risnes2
1TAKO-centre, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Pb 4970 Nydalen, 0440 Oslo, Norway.
Objective:
severe tooth wear, in terms of both erosive wear and attrition, is a significant problem in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). The purpose of the present study was to describe the structure of enamel and dentine in primary and permanent teeth from individuals with PWS.
Design:
thirty-two primary and 10 permanent teeth representing 16 individuals with PWS were investigated in the study. The enamel surface was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The microscopic structure of enamel and dentine was studied using SEM, microradiography and light microscopy.
Results:
the microscopic structure of enamel and dentine was found to be normal with the exception of a slight increase of interglobular dentine (IGD). Severe erosive defects were observed in primary teeth and also in permanent teeth with long exposure to the oral environment.
Conclusion:
the erosive enamel defects in individuals with PWS seem more related to the factors in the oral environment than to enamel structure which appeared normal. The occurrence of IGD indicate deficient mineralization but is probably of minor clinical significance. Gastro-oesophageal reflux is worthy of further investigation in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome.
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