The role of dentists in diagnosing osteogenesis imperfecta in patients with dentinogenesis imperfecta.

BACKGROUND: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as "brittle bone disease," can be difficult to diagnose in its mild form. The authors describe a clinical case of a diagnosis of dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI), in which a literature review combined with an analysis of dental alterations led to indications of OI involvement. CASE DESCRIPTION: Since DI can be associated with OI, the authors reviewed correlated studies and obtained a new medical history from the patient. They then conducted a radiographic and clinical examination of the dentition and submitted an affected third molar to scanning electron microscopy analysis. They compared their findings with descriptions of OI type I dental alterations in the literature and confirmed their diagnosis by means of a medical evaluation. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: In cases in which DI is diagnosed, patients should be examined carefully and the occurrence of OI should be considered since, in its mild form, it might be misdiagnosed.