Tube-like mineralization in the dental pulp of traumatized primary incisors

Mineralization in the pulp is a common finding in permanent as well as primary teeth and is associated with caries, aging, traumatic injuries and systemic conditions. This article describes an unusual pattern of pulpal calcification. A tube-like calcified structure formed in the dental pulp of primary incisors following mild traumatic injuries. It was studied by clinical, radiographic and histologic evaluation and by scanning electron microscopy. The tube-like structure was found to extend along the entire length of the pulp canal. Generally it was separated from the root dentin by normal pulp tissue, but was connected to the dentin in some sites. It had the histologic appearance of osteodentin with cell inclusions in a ring-like formation that was incomplete in places. The scanning electron microscope study showed rough inner and outer surfaces of a tube-like structure with openings that seemed to be dentinal tubules.