Amalogenous opacities in pediatric dentistry – literature review

Abstract

In recent years, there has been increasing comment on opacities, demarcated and diffused, in Dentistry, as a way of identifying its causal factors and possible ways to avoid their occurrence. They have more often encountered parents who are worried about their children's teeth and are anxious to remove them and aesthetic restoration, and it is up to the pediatric dentists, first in identifying them, to deepen the subject for the correct care and clarification to the parents. The etiology of opacities is diverse, and their origin may be associated with systemic disorders or local factors, both with little possibility of early intervention for prevention due to the initial period in which they may occur. Amelogenesis begins in the intrauterine phase, and due to the inherent characteristics of the ameloblasts, any aggression suffered at this stage will leave permanent marks on its structure. The best knowledge and correct diagnosis of the opacities were the guiding objectives of the research, as a way to expand the capacity of pediatric dentists to deal with such situations in the clinical routine. In order to do so, we conducted searches in online databases and collected twenty-four pertinent and reliable articles for a good scientific foundation and work enrichment. At the end of the study, it was possible to perceive the greater professional demand for knowledge about amelogenic opacities, as a way to make better diagnoses and intervene in the necessary cases. It was also evidenced the need for greater interest by professionals of constant study and follow-up of cases, providing theoretical basis for studies that will come.