Unusual Root Staining of the Third Molars in a Patient Exposed to Lead and Tetracyclinec
Intrinsic staining of teeth can result from introducing a variety of substances into the body which can form complexes with hard tissues (enamel, dentine, and bone). Two well-known substances that can cause such intrinsic staining of the teeth are lead and tetracyclineclass medications. Lead has been used for centuries in many industrial processes such as the development of batteries, sheets for X-Ray films, protective gear for high-radiation purposes (lead doors and lead gowns), and more stigmatically in the past, gasoline and paint. Lead poisoningoccurs when a person of any age swallows, absorbs, or inhales lead in any form. Tetracycline and some of its homologues, such as minocycline, have a tendency to deposit in the hard substance of tooth and bone by forming a tetracycline-calcium-orthophosphate complex, which produces an intrinsic stain. The intensity of the stain depends on the dosage, duration of treatment, and age of onset of treatment. The age of onset of the...