Enamel lamellae: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 22:10, 11 December 2024

Microscopic structures in tooth enamel

Enamel lamellae are microscopic structures found within the enamel of teeth. They are thin, leaf-like faults that extend from the enamel surface towards the dentin, and sometimes all the way to the dentin-enamel junction. Enamel lamellae are considered to be developmental defects in the enamel and can be pathways for bacteria, potentially leading to dental caries.

Structure[edit]

Enamel lamellae are composed of organic material and are less mineralized than the surrounding enamel. They are similar in appearance to enamel tufts and enamel spindles, but differ in their structure and origin. While enamel tufts are found at the dentin-enamel junction and enamel spindles are extensions of dentinal tubules into the enamel, enamel lamellae are cracks or faults that run through the enamel.

Formation[edit]

The formation of enamel lamellae is not completely understood, but they are believed to occur during the development of the tooth. They may form due to stress or trauma during the mineralization process of enamel, or as a result of rapid changes in temperature or pressure. Enamel lamellae can also form post-eruptively due to mechanical forces such as chewing or grinding.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Enamel lamellae are significant in dentistry because they can act as pathways for bacteria and other microorganisms to penetrate the enamel and reach the dentin, potentially leading to dental caries. They can also affect the strength and integrity of the enamel, making teeth more susceptible to fractures.

Diagnosis[edit]

Enamel lamellae can be observed using various imaging techniques such as microscopy and radiography. They may appear as fine lines or cracks on the enamel surface. In some cases, they can be detected during a clinical examination by a dentist.

Treatment[edit]

While enamel lamellae themselves do not require treatment, their presence can indicate a higher risk for dental caries. Preventive measures such as maintaining good oral hygiene, using fluoride treatments, and regular dental check-ups are recommended to protect the teeth from decay.

Also see[edit]

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-'''Enamel lamellae''' are thin, leaf-like structures that extend from the enamel surface toward the ''dentinoenamel junction''. They may extend to, and sometimes penetrate into, the dentin. They consist of organic material, with but little mineral content. In ground sections, these structures may be confused with cracks caused by grinding of the specimen. So, careful decalcification of ground sections of enamel is required to distinguish ''cracks'' and ''enamel lamellae''. The former disappear, whereas the latter persist.
+{{Short description|Microscopic structures in tooth enamel}}
+{{Tooth anatomy}}
-Lamellae may develop in planes of tension. Where rods cross such a plane, a short segment of the rod may not fully calcify. If the disturbance is more severe, a crack may develop that is filled either by surrounding cells, if the crack occurred in the unerupted tooth, or by organic substances from the oral cavity, if the crack developed after eruption.
+'''Enamel lamellae''' are microscopic structures found within the [[enamel]] of teeth. They are thin, leaf-like faults that extend from the enamel surface towards the [[dentin]], and sometimes all the way to the dentin-enamel junction. Enamel lamellae are considered to be developmental defects in the enamel and can be pathways for bacteria, potentially leading to dental caries.
-Three types of lamellae can thus be differentiated:
+==Structure==
-* Type A: lamellae composed of poorly calcified rod segments.
+Enamel lamellae are composed of organic material and are less mineralized than the surrounding enamel. They are similar in appearance to [[enamel tufts]] and [[enamel spindles]], but differ in their structure and origin. While enamel tufts are found at the dentin-enamel junction and enamel spindles are extensions of dentinal tubules into the enamel, enamel lamellae are cracks or faults that run through the enamel.
-* Type B: lamellae consisting of degenerated cells.
-* Type C: lamellae arising in erupted teeth where the cracks are filled with organic matter, presumably originating from saliva.
-The last type may be more common than formerly believed. Although lamellae of type A are restricted to the enamel, those of types B and C may reach into the dentin.
+==Formation==
+The formation of enamel lamellae is not completely understood, but they are believed to occur during the development of the tooth. They may form due to stress or trauma during the mineralization process of enamel, or as a result of rapid changes in temperature or pressure. Enamel lamellae can also form post-eruptively due to mechanical forces such as chewing or grinding.
-If cells from the enamel organ fill a crack in the enamel, those in the depth degenerate, whereas those close to the surface may remain vital for a time and produce a hornified cuticle in the cleft. In such cases the inner parts of the lamella consist of an organic cell detritus, the outer parts of a double layer
+==Clinical Significance==
-of the cuticle. If connective tissue invades a crack in the enamel, cementum may be formed. In such cases lamellae consist entirely or partly of cementum.
+Enamel lamellae are significant in dentistry because they can act as pathways for bacteria and other microorganisms to penetrate the enamel and reach the dentin, potentially leading to [[dental caries]]. They can also affect the strength and integrity of the enamel, making teeth more susceptible to fractures.
-Lamellae extend in the longitudinal and radial direction of the tooth, from the tip of the crown toward the cervical region. This arrangement explains why they can be observed better in horizontal sections. It has been suggested that enamel lamellae may be a site of weakness in a tooth and may form a road of entry for bacteria that initiate caries. Later it was shown that enamel cracks or lamellae showed uptake of dyes suggesting that these structures may act as pathways for caries producing bacteria.
+==Diagnosis==
+Enamel lamellae can be observed using various imaging techniques such as [[microscopy]] and [[radiography]]. They may appear as fine lines or cracks on the enamel surface. In some cases, they can be detected during a clinical examination by a dentist.
-<youtube>
+==Treatment==
-title='''Documentary Film - {{PAGENAME}}'''
+While enamel lamellae themselves do not require treatment, their presence can indicate a higher risk for dental caries. Preventive measures such as maintaining good oral hygiene, using fluoride treatments, and regular dental check-ups are recommended to protect the teeth from decay.
-movie_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/xdWxEu12U-I
-&rel=1
-embed_source_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/xdWxEu12U-I
-&rel=1
-wrap = yes
-width=750
-height=600
-</youtube>
-{{stub}}
+==Also see==
-{{dictionary-stub1}}
+* [[Enamel tufts]]
+* [[Enamel spindles]]
+* [[Dentin]]
+* [[Dental caries]]
+* [[Tooth enamel]]
+[[Category:Dental enamel]]
+[[Category:Tooth anatomy]]
+[[Category:Oral histology]]