Study of developmental enamel defects of permanent teeth by atomic force microscopy

J. O. Turner was the first who described the developmental defect of permanent tooth caused by periapical inflammation of temporary predecessor. This disorder is most common in the upper front teeth and premolars. These disorders are collectively called developmental defects of enamel (DDE). They are visible deviations from the normal translucent enamel resulting from enamel organ dysfunction. According to the macroscopic appearance we distinguish three types: enamel hypoplasia, diffuse enamel opacity, demarcated enamel opacity. The combination of types of enamel defects found in one tooth is also quite common. Results from studies at sheep and studies of macroscopic appearance, hardness values and SEM examination of human enamel defects of permanent teeth support this division and demonstrate that the pathogenesis of each type is different. DDE was imaged by atomic force microscopy Bruker Bioscope Catalyst using Peak force Quantitative NanoMechanical measurement for imaging and mechanical characterization. Differences between enamel of health part of tooth and DDE were studied.