Ultrastructural organization and microanalysis studies of deciduous enamel crystallites in regional odontodysplasia (RO)

Abstract

The ultrastructural organization and chemical components of enamel crystallites in two deciduous teeth affected by RO, an uncommon developmental condition giving the tooth a ghost-like appearance, were investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron probe microanalysis and Fourier transform improved microspectroscopy. Pathologic mineralizations involving prismatic structures, which affected the size, shape and stoichiometric structure of crystallites and led to enhanced Mg/Ca and Na/Ca ratios and crystal defects, were observed. Local circulatory disorders may have caused this developmental anomaly.