There are certain dental alterations that produce a hard lump or spherical enamel structures at the root of the teeth, a few millimeters from the crown. These are known as enamel beads.
These structures acquire an approximate size between 1 mm to 3 mm in diameter and can affect not only oral health but also the cervical area near the amelocementary junction of the temporary or permanent molars.
If you want to know more about this topic, keep reading!
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How Are Enamel Beads Formed?
Enamel beads are formed in developing teeth, when the cells covering it do not separate from the tooth as they should, but remain attached to the dentin. This results in enamel emerging from the area below the edge of the gums.
These make it impossible for the connective tissue of the periodontal ligament to attach to the tooth, leaving an enamel nodule at the root of the tooth instead of on the crown, which is where it should really go.
In addition, this nodule allows plaque to accumulate under the edge of the gums, leading to the loss of the necessary tissue structure and holding the tooth in place.
At the same time, they disrupt the insertion of periodontal fibers emitted into the cement and prevent the normal coating of the tooth root from developing.
What Complications Do Enamel Beads Cause?
When left untreated or fixed in time, enamel beads can lead to the following complications:
- Destruction of gum and bone tissue.
- Inflammation and redness in the gingival area, in mild, moderate or chronic state.
- Development of periodontal pouches or sacs.
- Bleeding.
- Pain or discomfort in the affected area.
- Unnecessary spaces or gaps between the tooth and the gingival area.
- Excessive agglomeration of harmful bacteria or microorganisms, which can compromise both oral health and the longevity of the damaged tooth.
How Are Enamel Beads Diagnosed?
First, the evolution and development of these pearls must be evaluated in a personalized way, since being hard structures and firmly adhered to the root of the tooth, they can trigger caries, external resorption or pulpitis, making scraping or conventional curettages difficult.
However, this anomaly can be identified as small radiopacities during the radiographic reading of a patient or an exodontia, evidencing the following aspects:
- Dental tartar.
- Pulp calculations.
- Free-face root restorations.
- Radiopaque or hyperdense density of defined limit.
- The type of shape you get, either rounded or oval.
How Can I Prevent The Appearance Of Enamel Beads?
This anomaly, in general, cannot be prevented, since its development process arises as infrequent anomalies at the cellular level. However, they can be treated quickly and effectively.
How? Going periodically with your trusted dentist and undergoing regular check-ups, as well as X-rays, deep and thorough cleanings and other respective treatments. The goal is to detect any periodontal condition in time.
A good early evaluation and treatment according to your needs and degree of condition, can prevent this dental anomaly from affecting your smile or triggering other much more serious pathologies.
How Are Enamel Beads Produced?
Its development arises from an ameloblastic activity of remains of the epithelial sheath of Hertwing, as well as certain angular bone defects of the alveolar process or an etiopathogenesis belonging to periodontal pathology.
In this aspect, they usually trigger the formation of active periodontal sacs or pockets, the agglomeration of plaques or biofilms, and the development of subgingival stones. In addition, they tend to arise:
- In the upper molars, more than the lower ones, being bilateral.
- In the upper molars, where it is usually located in a mesial or distal direction.
- In the lower molars, where it is usually located in the vestibular or lingual direction.
How Are Enamel Beads Classified?
They are classified into three groups:
- First group: Mild state
In this group, the pearls are formed only by enamel.
- Second group: Moderate state
They are usually the most common, as they contain enamel and tubular dentin.
- Third group: Critical state
It is formed by enamel, as well as dentin and pulp. However, the latter group tends to forge communication with the chamber or pulp duct.
Treatments For Enamel Beads
The treatment will depend on the degree of affection, the location and the pathologies that the enamel beads have.
In case they are around the union between the cement and the enamel and, in addition, the existence of a periodontal pathology is evident, it will simply be enough to extract them. Of course, always taking into account that a pulp horn can be found.
This extraction will be carried out with the use of dental files and, once the treatment is finished, the condition will not return. In this way, plaque accumulations will be eliminated and periodontal pockets will heal.
Get Rid Of Enamel Beads At Ruiz De Gopegui Dental Clinic
At the Ruiz de Gopegui Dental Clinic we have an effective team of professionals and experts who will be responsible for solving any condition, pathology or oral problem that you may be presenting, such as glazed beads.
We have the best services, avant-garde techniques and state-of-the-art dentistry to perform personalized treatments in the different branches of dentistry: our priority is your satisfaction.
Request your first free visit at the Dental Clinic in Madrid. We are waiting for you.