Dental intrinsic green pigmentation from primary to mixed dentition: clinical and histological findings

The aim of this report is to present a case of a child with green pigmentation of the primary dentition caused by bilirubin elevation due to choleostasis during neonatal life, and the 5-year follow-up.

The case presented initially with bands of green pigmentation of all primary teeth in a pattern that followed the time of their calcification, with those formed earlier being more severely affected. Fading of the green pigmentation was detected during the follow-up, while erupted lower permanent incisors were normal. Histological findings of an exfoliated primary incisor showed a green line at the enamel-dentine junction with the external surface of the dentine showing a band of variable width and irregularly arranged tubules.

Bilirubin green pigmentation of primary teeth follows a chronological pattern and its intensity fades with time. Overlying enamel in affected areas may appear thinner.