Enamel infraction

Enamel Infraction
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Enamel infraction refers to a type of dental trauma characterized by the presence of small, incomplete cracks in the enamel of a tooth. Unlike other forms of dental fractures, enamel infractions do not extend into the dentin or pulp of the tooth, and they typically do not cause pain or sensitivity.

Causes

Enamel infractions are often caused by trauma to the teeth, such as a blow to the mouth or biting on a hard object. They can also occur as a result of bruxism, which is the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing enamel infractions can be challenging due to their subtle nature. They are often detected during routine dental examinations using a transilluminator, which helps to highlight the cracks by shining light through the tooth. The image below shows a transilluminator being used in a dental examination:

A transilluminator being used to detect enamel infractions.

Treatment

In most cases, enamel infractions do not require treatment unless they are associated with other dental issues or cause aesthetic concerns. If treatment is necessary, options may include:

• Dental bonding to fill in the cracks and improve the appearance of the tooth.
• Veneers to cover the affected area.

Prevention

Preventive measures to avoid enamel infractions include wearing a mouthguard during sports, avoiding biting on hard objects, and managing bruxism with a night guard.

Prognosis

The prognosis for teeth with enamel infractions is generally good, as these cracks do not typically compromise the structural integrity of the tooth. However, monitoring is recommended to ensure that the cracks do not progress or lead to other dental issues.

Also see

• Dental trauma
• Enamel hypoplasia
• Tooth fracture
• Bruxism

References

• "Dental Trauma: Enamel Infraction." Journal of Dentistry, 2023.
• "Management of Enamel Infractions." Dental Clinics of North America, 2022.