Restorative & Materials · single question
A patient has cervical decalcification (white spot lesions) on teeth #12 and #13. The MOST likely cause is:
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Correct answer: A. Hypocalcification (incomplete mineralization of enamel)
Hypocalcification refers to incomplete or defective mineralization of enamel that has formed in normal quantity. It presents as chalky white, opaque areas that are often at the cervical third — because cervical enamel mineralizes latest. This differs from hypoplasia (reduced enamel quantity) which shows pitting, grooves, or missing enamel. Cervical white spots on multiple teeth of the same developmental age suggest a systemic event during the maturation phase.
- A. ✅ CORRECT – Hypocalcification is a qualitative enamel defect (incomplete mineralization) presenting as white/chalky areas, often cervically.
- B. ❌ Acid erosion typically presents as surface dissolution of enamel (cupping on occlusal, generalized smooth erosion) — not discrete white spots.
- C. ❌ Fluorosis causes mottling distributed throughout the tooth surface, not specifically cervical lesions.
- D. ❌ Hypoplasia results in a quantitative defect (reduced enamel thickness, pits, or grooves) — not chalky white spots on otherwise normal enamel.
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