Scanning electron microscopic study of hypoplastic type amelogenesis imperfecta in primary teeth.

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) comprises a diverse group of hereditary enamel disorders that are characterized by hypoplastic and in some cases hypomineralized defects. Purpose of this investigation was to characterize the ultrastructure of autosomal recessive smooth hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta enamel. The primary teeth that exfoliated physiologically were studied by scanning electron microscopy. By using scanning electron microscope, multiple shallow depressions and deep tubular voids were observed. Irregular enamel, irregularities in enamel crystallites, hypoplastic areas on the enamel surface were seen.