Tube-like mineralization in the dental pulp of traumatized primary incisors

Mineralization in the pulp is a common finding in permanent as well as prim ary teeth and is associated with caries, aging, traumatic injuries and syst emic conditions. This article describes an unusual pattern of pulpal calcif ication. A tube-like calcified structure formed in the dental pulp of prima ry incisors following mild traumatic injuries. It was studied by clinical, radiographic and histologic evaluation and by scanning electron microscopy. The tube-like structure was found to extend alone; the entire length of th e pulp canal. Generally it was separated from the root dentin by normal pul p tissue, but was connected to the dentin in some sites. It had the histolo gic appearance of osteodentin with cell inclusions in a ring-like formation that was incomplete in places. The scanning electron microscope study show ed rough inner and outer surfaces of a tube-like structure with openings th at seemed to be dentinal tubules.