Histopathological Features of Shell Teeth: A Case Report

Abstract

Shell Teeth are a type of radiographic appearance of teeth seen in Dentinogenesis Imperfecta type II (DGI II). Radiographically, they are characterised by an enlarged pulp chamber enclosed by a thin layer of dentin. The clinical appearance of these teeth ranges from yellow to bluish-grey in colour. The histological features of shell teeth have not been updated in the literature, unlike clinical and radiographic appearance. These features are not available in the literature compared to other dental anomalies. Here, the authors present a case of an 18-year-old female who came with the complaint of poor aesthetic dentition. The dentition aligned with the clinical and radiographic features of shell teeth. Histopathological features of the present case included an irregular arrangement of the dentinal matrix and a few cellular inclusions. The final diagnosis was given as DGI type II. This developmental disorder requires prevention and early intervention of its dental implications, such as dental caries and attrition. The treatment usually requires a well-planned multidisciplinary protocol involving endodontic and prosthodontic approaches. Histopathological features of shell teeth are required to aid in the identification of the precise pathogenesis and genetic mechanism behind this structural disorder of dentin. It also helps in the modification of certain treatment procedures to accommodate the structural abnormality. The case report aimed to bridge the literature gap on the histopathological features of shell teeth.

Keywords

• dentin defect
• dentinogenesis imperfecta
• developmental anomaly