Adults with Down Syndrome and Panoramic Radiographs: An Exploration of Dental Anomalies, Oral and Neck Pathology and Systemic Disease Indicators
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Type
ThesisThesis type
Masters by ResearchAuthor/s
Scott, Antonia MareeAbstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most frequent genetic cause of intellectual disability. Despite a significant increase in life expectancy to 60 years, ageing individuals with DS encounter numerous age-related medical and dental challenges. Panoramic radiographs (PRs) are reliable diagnostic ...
See moreDown syndrome (DS) is the most frequent genetic cause of intellectual disability. Despite a significant increase in life expectancy to 60 years, ageing individuals with DS encounter numerous age-related medical and dental challenges. Panoramic radiographs (PRs) are reliable diagnostic tools to identify dental anomalies and pathology. However, gaps persist in knowledge of prevalence of dental conditions or PR indicators of systemic disease in ageing Australian adults with DS. Aims The primary aim of the study was to explore the prevalence and patterns of dental anomalies, diseases, and hard and soft tissue pathology of the head and neck in PRs of adults with DS, alongside their reported medical conditions. The second aim was to assess the PRs as indicators of some systemic diseases. Method A retrospective, cross sectional, pilot study of a convenience sample of PRs of adults with DS. Results The sample included 53 adults with DS with a mean age of 40 years. Of these 49% were females. Medical conditions were present in 75% of the population, with a higher prevalence among younger adults (< 40 years of age). The most frequent conditions included cardiovascular (42%), of which 23% were congenital heart conditions, thyroid (28%), autoimmune (26%) and skin diseases (25%). Dental anomalies occurred in 98% of the sample including agenesis (76%), dilaceration (60%), taurodont teeth (45%), microdont teeth (38%), retained primary teeth (34%), impacted teeth (32%) and transposed teeth (9%). Tooth agenesis code revealed 16 patterns including bilateral agenesis of third molars and second premolars. The most prevalent dental diseases were periodontal bone loss (77%), caries (43%) and periapical pathology (28%). Soft tissue calcifications of stylo-hyoid ligament (38%), thyroid cartilage (28%) and maxillary sinus (23%). Conclusions This pilot feasibility study represents the first Australian PR study looking at medical conditions, anomalies and pathologies among adults with DS.
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See moreDown syndrome (DS) is the most frequent genetic cause of intellectual disability. Despite a significant increase in life expectancy to 60 years, ageing individuals with DS encounter numerous age-related medical and dental challenges. Panoramic radiographs (PRs) are reliable diagnostic tools to identify dental anomalies and pathology. However, gaps persist in knowledge of prevalence of dental conditions or PR indicators of systemic disease in ageing Australian adults with DS. Aims The primary aim of the study was to explore the prevalence and patterns of dental anomalies, diseases, and hard and soft tissue pathology of the head and neck in PRs of adults with DS, alongside their reported medical conditions. The second aim was to assess the PRs as indicators of some systemic diseases. Method A retrospective, cross sectional, pilot study of a convenience sample of PRs of adults with DS. Results The sample included 53 adults with DS with a mean age of 40 years. Of these 49% were females. Medical conditions were present in 75% of the population, with a higher prevalence among younger adults (< 40 years of age). The most frequent conditions included cardiovascular (42%), of which 23% were congenital heart conditions, thyroid (28%), autoimmune (26%) and skin diseases (25%). Dental anomalies occurred in 98% of the sample including agenesis (76%), dilaceration (60%), taurodont teeth (45%), microdont teeth (38%), retained primary teeth (34%), impacted teeth (32%) and transposed teeth (9%). Tooth agenesis code revealed 16 patterns including bilateral agenesis of third molars and second premolars. The most prevalent dental diseases were periodontal bone loss (77%), caries (43%) and periapical pathology (28%). Soft tissue calcifications of stylo-hyoid ligament (38%), thyroid cartilage (28%) and maxillary sinus (23%). Conclusions This pilot feasibility study represents the first Australian PR study looking at medical conditions, anomalies and pathologies among adults with DS.
See less
Date
2025Rights statement
The author retains copyright of this thesis. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. It must not be used for any other purposes and may not be transmitted or shared with others without prior permission.Faculty/School
Faculty of Medicine and Health, Northern Clinical SchoolAwarding institution
The University of SydneyShare