Katrin Bekes

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a frequently encountered dental condition worldwide. It is defined as hypomineralization of systemic origin of one to four permanent first molars frequently associated with affected incisors. Depending on the severity, the condition can be associated with dental complications including rapid wear, enamel loss, increased susceptibility to caries, loss of fillings, and most of all, severe hypersensitivity often resulting in severe discomfort. The etiology of MIH remains unclear. Affected anterior teeth primarily show opacities of different shades and extensions, which can disturb the esthetic appearance and impair their quality of life. Therefore, children should be diagnosed as early as possible and should be offered a treatment that is appropriate to the severity of the condition.

This lecture aims to highlight different aspects related to MIH, from its etiology, diagnosis and classification to current treatment options.

Maria Giovanna Barboni

Consolidated diagnostic and therapeutic protocols, framed in a new clinical staging of pulp pathologies, today make use of new materials and new instruments.

Operating protocols more consistent with the needs of the growing patient and of the element with an incompletely formed root enter the daily routine of the pediatric dentist (and not only …): from caries to dental trauma.

Figen Seymen

Dental trauma to permanent teeth in young children with teeth with open apices is a common situation which dentist encounter regularly. The ideal outcome is continued root formation and successful root canal treatment since these teeth with incomplete root development have short roots with thin walls, which compromises their longevity. Through regenerative therapy, one can facilitate root development in previously immature teeth with necrotic pulps. This is a significant benefit over conventional root canal treatment and especially valuable for young patients, as teeth preservation is critical to their skeletal and dental development.

Regenerative endodontics is one of the most remarkable advancements in dentistry and there have been many regenerative endodontic protocols over the years and further research is required into this novel approach to apexogenesis to assess the long-term prognosis of these teeth. Current research on pulp regeneration is growing and provides exciting possibilities for greater biological approaches to endodontics in the future. In this lecture we will discuss the protocols and biomaterials used to increase the chance of a successful outcome.

Amelogenesis ​I​mperfecta (AI) is a collective designation for the variety of inherited conditions displaying isolated enamel malformations, but the designation is also used to indicate the presence of an enamel phenotype in syndromes. There is great variability in the clinical presentation of amelogenesis imperfecta. The clinical features of the affected enamel and the type of AI depend on the gene involved and the relevant mutation. Clinical phenotypes display a wide spectrum, ranging from mild color changes to severe structural alterations with daily pain. However, all affect the quality of life because of mechanical, psychological, esthetic, and/or social repercussions.

It will be possible to implement more accurate diagnostic methods and make a more precise prognosis if the clinical and radiographic appearance of the affected enamel can be correlated with the potential genetic origin of AI. The genetic control of amelogenesis is fully understood but requires the activities of multiple components that are uniquely important for dental enamel formation. Genetic studies have demonstrated the importance of genes encoding enamel matrix proteins in the etiology of isolated AI. More than 20 genes are, so far, known to be responsible for this condition. These results broaden our understanding of the molecular genetic pathology of tooth enamel formation.

The biological processes and mechanisms leading to AI are many and varied. Further research with a molecular approach will improve our understanding of these mechanisms and identify new mutations or genes and this will result in improved patient care and the development of new therapies to minimize or eliminate the problems associated with AI.

This lecture will focus on our research and the evidence about AI. We will review the genes and mutations underlying AI presenting in isolation from other health problems, the proteins they encode, and knowledge of their roles in amelogenesis, combining evidence from human phenotypes

The aim of this lecture is to present an evaluation of our studies regarding the role of the genes associated with AI types.