Malignant infantile osteopetrosis: dental effects in paediatric patients. Case reports

Authors:

ABSTRACT

Aim

Malignant Infantile Osteopetrosis is a heriditary pathology caused due to osteoclastic cells which are incapable of
carrying out their functions and hence do not resorb osseous tissue where required. Thus the consequence is that during growth phase,
the medullary cavities and nervous tissue cavities do not undergo sufficient growth and the corresponding organs do not develop
adequately. The aim of this study is to outline the role of the pediatric dentist who has to carry out protocols of primary, secondary,
tertiary prevention intervening at many levels. Clinical features and dental effects are described. Two case reports are presented in this
study.

Conclusion

Oral problems of osteopetrosis are delayed tooth eruption, absence of some teeth, malformed teeth, enamel
hypoplasia, disturbed dentinogenesis, hypomineralisation of enamel and dentin, propensity for tooth decay, defects of the periodontal
membrane, thickened lamina dura, mandibular protrusion, and the presence of odontomas. Tooth removal should be limited as it may
induce bone fractures and osteomyelitis. The role of the pediatric dentist is defined.

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