[Dental enamel pearls: histopathological study].

Enamel pearls are small rounded or egg-shaped nodules which most frequently develop in the furcation area of molars. They may consist of enamel only or enamel containing a small core of tubular dentin. They often sit upon strands of cementum or Tomes granular layer. Histologically, the enamel surface of enamel pearls resembles immature enamel and may be covered with cementum. Small calcoglobules presenting varying degrees of organization are often found related to enamel pearls. Some of them, which have the same radiodensity as the enamel of the pearl and of the affected tooth, may be considered as an enamel-type of calcifications. Others, which present a concentric structure revealed by a polarization cross when viewed between cross polars, may be similar to cementicles. All calcifications located in contact with enamel pearls or at a distance, from them are dystrophic calcifications.