Dentinoenamel Junction Area in Primary Teeth Affected by Morquio's Syndrome

Abstract

Separation of dentin from enamel in the dentinoenamel junction area was achieved in primary teeth affected by Morquio's syndrome. Enamel and dentin junctional surfaces were examined by means of scanning electron microscope. These two tissues were found to be separated by a layer of amorphous material. Recurrent treatment of the amorphous layer with NaOCl caused its gradual removal, exposing the rod tips on the enamel side and tubules on the dentin side. It is reasonable to suppose from this finding that the amorphous layer is rich in organic matrix. It is suggested that this amorphous layer is analogous to the enamel-dentin membrane, that in this syndrome is only partially calcified.