At Laser Dental Bakersfield, we provide personalized and innovative dental care. While tooth decay and gum disease are the most commonly known factors affecting people’s oral health, some face genetic conditions that pose challenges in helping them maintain their oral health, such as Dentinogenesis Imperfecta. This genetic disorder affects approximately 1 in 7,000 people annually, and it’s important to increase awareness of genetic conditions such as DI. Below, we’ll describe dentinogenesis imperfecta, its symptoms, causes, and available treatment options.
What is Dentinogenesis Imperfecta?
Dentinogenesis imperfecta is caused by a genetic mutation that disrupts dentin formation or the tooth’s second layer that protects the inner pulp from disease and decay. This disorder causes mutations in the DSPP gene that’s responsible for dentin formation, causing it to weaken the dentin.
This condition can be inherited from either parent or occur spontaneously without a family history of the disorder, and there are three types or classifications for this genetic disorder, including:
- Type I: Type I is associated with osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic condition that causes brittle and easily breakable bones.
- Type II: The most common type occurs without any underlying genetic conditions and is often related to age-related issues such as hearing loss or deafness. Type II mostly affects older populations.
- Type III: Although not highly recognized, type III appears in specific studies in individuals without hereditary health conditions.
One of the most prominent symptoms of this condition is tooth discoloration. As the dentin becomes more vulnerable to deterioration, it causes the tooth to appear translucent in either a blue-gray or yellow-brown tone. The teeth will also appear bulbous, making the enamel more vulnerable to breakdown and decay over time.
While there is no cure for this condition, your dentist can provide various treatment options to help protect the teeth from further harm and help restore your smile. Some treatment options that can be provided for those with this condition include:
- Fluoride Treatments: Regular dental checkups allow dentists to monitor the teeth and offer fluoride treatments to manage and protect the enamel and dentin from further damage.
- Crowns and Veneers: When significant enamel and dentin damage is present, but the tooth pulp is still healthy, restorative treatments like crowns, bonding, and veneers can protect the teeth.
- Implants and Dentures: In cases where the tooth pulp is damaged and infected due to dentin degradation, tooth extractions may be necessary, followed by dental implants, dentures, or bridges to restore the smile.
Receive Quality Dental Care at Laser Dental Bakersfield Today
At Laser Dental Bakersfield, we support and provide care for patients with genetic conditions such as Dentinogenesis imperfecta. Led by our dentist Dr. Jeannie A Molato, our team is proud to serve the Bakersfield, CA, area. To learn more about our services and schedule an appointment, call us at (661) 885-9054. We are committed to helping you manage your oral health challenges and give you a radiant smile.
