Patients diagnosed with Ectodermal Dysplasia and hypodontia treated with dental implants

Abstract

Ectodermal Dysplasia (ED) is an inherent disorder which affects ectodermal tissues, including teeth. Hypodontia is the absence of teeth and it is one of classical features of ED. Patients diagnosed with ED may have signs and symptoms that can impact on speech, appearance, diet and psychosocial aspects. Many dental treatments are available to rehabilitate ED patients presenting with hypodontia, and one of these treatment is a fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) supported by implants. A multidisciplinary team is recommended to diagnose, plan and treat these patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical, functional and behavioural aspects of placing dental implants in the mandible of children diagnosed with ED. A pilot study (Stage 1) was conducted to assess patients’ perceptions in relation to diet restriction, appearance, function and speech by the Visual Analogue Scale. Stage 1 study concluded that improvements in all variables were achieved after assessing 6 ED patients presenting hypodontia and treated with dental implants in the anterior mandible. As the Stage 1 showed improvements after treatment, a Stage 2 study was conducted and which comprised a more detailed investigation of patients pre- and post-treatment with a FDP supported by dental implants. Five patients were assessed. A dental implant therapy was performed by the clinical team at Westmead Centre for Oral Health, Sydney. Two out of 5 patients received a follow-up at 6 and 12 months. One patient was treated with a removable dental prosthesis and the other 2 patients declined of the study. The remaining 2 patients received a FDP supported by 4 dental implants each in the mandible and were assessed at 6 and 12 month time points. Both patients had their diet, speech and psychosocial aspects assessed by questionnaires pre- and post-treatment. The Stage 2 study concluded that despite the small sample and limitations of the research, there was an improvement in the oral-related quality of life.