Enamel pearls and cervical enamel projections on 2 maxillary molars with localized periodontal disease: Case report and histologic study

Abstract

Presented here is an unusual case of teeth with aberrant enamel. One small and 3 large enamel pearls were identified in 2 maxillary third molars of a patient. One long enamel projection was connected to one of the large enamel pearls, along with 2 short cervical enamel projections. The ectopic enamel was associated with advanced localized periodontal destruction. After extraction, the molars were investigated radiographically and under the scanning electron microscope. The 3 large pearls contained distinct dentinal cones. The enamel of the pearls and the long cervical projection exhibited most of the structural attributes of crown enamel but were somewhat irregular, with variable shape and course of the prisms. Morphologic considerations suggest that these enamel pearls were aberrations and should not be regarded as attempts at new cusp or new tooth formation. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2000;89:493-7)