Scanning electron microscopy and calcification in amelogenesis imperfecta in anterior and posterior human teeth

Teeth fragments from members of a family clinically and genetically diagnos ed as having amelogenesis imperfecta were studied by scanning electron micr oscopy and X-ray microprobe analysis to establish the morphological pattern s and the quantitative concentration of calcium in the enamel of anterior ( canine, incisor) and posterior (premolar and molar) teeth. The prism patter ns in the enamel of teeth from both regions were parallel or irregularly de cussate, with occasional filamentous prisms accompanied by small, irregular ly rounded formations. Prismless enamel showed the R- and P-type patterns. Calcium levels in enamel of amelogenesis imperfecta and control teeth diffe red significantly between anterior and posterior teeth, indicating that the factors that influence normal mineralization in different regions of the d ental arch are not altered in the process of amelogenesis imperfecta.