title: Root-like enamel pearl: a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In general, enamel pearls are found in maxillary molars as a small globule of enamel. However, this case report describes an enamel pearl with a prolate spheroid shape which is 1.8mm wide and 8mm long. The different type of enamel pearl found in my clinic has significantly improved our understanding of enamel pearl etiology and pathophysiology.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 42-year-old Han Chinese woman with severe toothache received treatment in my Department of Endodontics. She had no significant past medical history. A dental examination revealed extensive distal decay in her left mandibular first molar, tenderness to percussion and palpation of the periradicular zone, and found a deep periodontal pocket on the buccal lateral. Vitality testing was negative. Periapical radiographic images revealed radiolucency around the mesial apex. Cone beam computed tomography detected an opaque enamel pearl in the furcation area with a prolate spheroid shape of 1.8mm wide and 8mm long.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The enamel pearl described in this case report is like a very long dental root. Cone beam computed tomography may be used for evaluating enamel pearls.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Center, Affiliate Haikou Hospital, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Haikou 570208, Hainan, P,R, China. horse.m@163.com.
authors.forename: Xiao-quan
authors.initials: XQ
authors.lastname: Mao
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008963:Molar / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D012390:Root Canal Therapy; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery