Abnormal pulp calcification in primary molars after fluoride supplementation.

Abstract

Forty-five caries-free primary molars from children with continuous fluoride supplementation (n = 28) after birth and from children without fluoride prophylaxis (n = 17) were investigated by light microscopy. The following results were obtained: The prophylaxis group evidenced a special form of calcification consisting of fibrodentin-like hard tissue developing intramurally in the dentin wall especially at the pulp floor and spreading irregularily into the pulp cavity by displacing the degenerating pulp tissue (n = 24). These teeth were ankylosed in the bi- and trifurcation area as well as inside the roots. This kind of hard tissue was not observed in the teeth from untreated children. Only 5 children had greater calcifications attached at the pulp wall. Nevertheless, this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001) and indicates a relationship between fluoride prophylaxis, the special form of pulp calcification and tooth ankylosis.