Journal of Dental Research, Vol 75, 1747-1752, Copyright © 1996 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Abnormal enamel and pulp dimensions in familial dysautonomia
E. Mass, U. Zilberman and N. Gadoth
Section of Pediatric Dentistry, Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
In familial dysautonomia (FD), a hereditary autonomic and sensory
neuropathy, somatic growth is impaired. This study was conducted to explore
the possibility that tooth dimensions are altered as a consequence of
neural crest dysfunction known to be present in FD. Enamel, dentin, pulp,
and tooth size measurements of mandibular primary and permanent molars from
FD patients were compared with those of healthy controls. It was found that
although tooth size in the FD patients was smaller than normal, the enamel
was thicker on the occlusal table, while the pulp chamber was smaller and
disproportional to tooth size. Our results suggest distorted tooth
dimensions rather than a generalized growth arrest as observed in other
hereditary syndromes, such as Down's or Crouzon.
