CHAPTER 9 Developmental Dental Abnormalities
Developmental abnormalities occur commonly in dogs and occasionally in cats. They can be caused by abnormal genetic coding or by damage to developing tissues. The necessity of treatment is based on whether the abnormality negatively impacts the health, function, or comfort of the patient. Radiographic evaluation of the extent of involvement helps the clinician to determine which abnormalities require immediate intervention, which might require treatment or monitoring, and which do not require any intervention at all.
Abnormal Tooth Shape or Structure
Trauma to a deciduous tooth or inflammation from a fractured deciduous tooth can damage the enamel epithelium of the underlying developing permanent tooth, resulting in a focal area of enamel hypoplasia or hypomineralization (Figure 9-1). This is usually radiographically unremarkable, but a radiograph should be made to evaluate pulp health prior to restoration (Figure 9-2).
Generalized enamel dysplasia can be caused by systemic diseases (for example, viral infection such as distemper) during development and also by hereditary or nutritional factors. Radiographs should be made to determine whether the tooth root development was also affected (Figures 9-3 and 9-4).
You may also need

Full access? Get Clinical Tree

