This clinical report describes the oral rehabilitation of a young female patient diagnosed with the hypocalcified, autosomal recessive type of Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI). A brief discussion on diagnosis of AI is also included.

AI has been defined as a group of hereditary enamel defects not associated with evidence of systemic disease. It can be characterized by enamel hypoplasia and/or hypomaturation or hypocalcification of the existing teeth. Restoration for patients with this condition should be oriented toward the functional and esthetic rehabilitation and the protection of these teeth.

A 31-year-old female patient presented with concerns including extreme sensitivity; dissatisfaction with size, shape, and shade of teeth; and poor masticatory efficiency. She was very conscious about the appearance of her teeth and reported that her primary dentition was affected in the same manner. The specific objectives of this treatment were to eliminate tooth sensitivity, enhance esthetics, and restore masticatory function. Treatment included crown lengthening procedures and placement of anterior and posterior metalceramic crowns. A 12-month follow-up with clinical and radiographic examinations revealed no evidence of any untoward effects of the treatment on the restored teeth or their supporting structures.

Management of a patient with AI is a challenge for the clinician. The treatment options vary considerably depending on several factors such as the age of the patient, socio-economic status, periodontal condition, loss of tooth structure, severity of the disorder, and, most importantly, the patient's cooperation. The clinician has to consider the long-term prognosis of the treatment outcome. This clinical report describes the fabrication of metal ceramic and all metal crowns for the restoration of severely worn teeth in a patient with AI which requires meticulous maintenance of oral hygiene and patient co-operation.

Sholapurkar AA, Joseph RM, Varghese JM, Neelagiri K, Acharya SRR, Hegde V, Pai KM, Bhat M. Clinical Diagnosis and Oral Rehabilitation of a Patient with Amelogenesis imperfecta: A Case Report. J Contemp Dent Pract 2008 May; (9)4:092-098.