Pathology · single question
A patient presents with decalcification affecting only teeth #8 and #9, causing esthetic concern. What is the MOST likely cause?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Enamel hypocalcification
Localized hypocalcification affecting specific teeth indicates a local insult during crown formation — not a systemic exposure.
- A. CORRECT. Enamel hypocalcification produces localized white/chalky spots from defective mineralization. It can affect specific teeth due to local trauma, fever, or nutritional deficiency during crown development — explaining isolated involvement of #8 and #9.
- B. Amelogenesis imperfecta affects ALL teeth systemically and presents uniformly across the dentition, not limited to two adjacent teeth.
- C. Fluorosis produces diffuse white streaking or pitting across multiple teeth from systemic fluoride exposure — not isolated discoloration of two adjacent teeth.
- D. Tetracycline causes yellow-brown or gray banding across multiple teeth formed during antibiotic exposure — not limited to two teeth.