The role of dentists in diagnosing osteogenesis imperfecta in patients with dentinogenesis imperfecta.

BACKGROUND

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as "brittle bone disease," can be difficult to diagnose in its mild form. The authors describe a clinical case of a diagnosis of dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI), in which a literature review combined with an analysis of dental alterations led to indications of OI involvement.

CASE DESCRIPTION: Since DI can be associated with OI, the authors reviewed correlated studies and obtained a new medical history from the patient. They then conducted a radiographic and clinical examination of the dentition and submitted an affected third molar to scanning electron microscopy analysis. They compared their findings with descriptions of OI type I dental alterations in the literature and confirmed their diagnosis by means of a medical evaluation.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: In cases in which DI is diagnosed, patients should be examined carefully and the occurrence of OI should be considered since, in its mild form, it might be misdiagnosed.