Dental management of severe dentinogenesis imperfecta in a mild form of osteogenesis imperfecta.

Dentinogenesis Imperfecta (DI), in which the teeth are discolored, translucent and brittle, can occur in isolation as a familial trait and as a component of the skeletal dysplasia Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). In a Cape Town family, 20 persons in 3 generations had mild OI, with the additional manifestation of severe DI. The family was assessed at the Dental Genetic Unit of the University of the Western Cape and appropriate dental treatment was provided. In this setting, a detailed treatment plan was devised for a severely affected woman. This plan proved to be efficient and cost effective, and the final outcome was pleasing to the patient. Dentinogenesis Imperfecta is not uncommon and may well be encountered in conventional dental practice. The necessary clinical expertise is within the scope of the skills of the general dentist.