What is Developmental Disturbances of the Teeth, Anomalies of Number?
During the growth of teeth, various complications can arise that affect the total number of teeth a person develops. These issues can range from having no teeth at all, also known as anodontia, to having more teeth than normal, a condition called hyperdontia. Sometimes, when teeth are missing or absent, this can be referred to as agenesis, which means that part or all of an organ didn’t develop during the early stages of growth in the womb.
In some cases, a person might have mild dental agenesis and not even know it until later in life, while for others it can be so severe that it significantly impacts their quality of life.
Often, having no teeth or missing teeth is associated with certain health conditions, and can vary from missing just one tooth to having no teeth at all. Mild cases can usually be addressed with simple, non-invasive procedures. The different kinds of tooth number problems, including anodontia, hypodontia, oligodontia, and hyperdontia, are classified based on the number of teeth affected.
What Causes Developmental Disturbances of the Teeth, Anomalies of Number?
Anodontia means someone has no teeth at all. Hypodontia is when someone has less than six teeth that have failed to grow, while oligodontia is when six or more teeth have failed to develop. On the other hand, a person with hyperdontia has more teeth than the usual number.
Though all three conditions – anodontia, hypodontia, and oligodontia – are caused by the same things, what they look like varies depending on the severity of the cause. The failure of some teeth to develop has been tied to around 15 different genes in cases not associated with syndromes. When hypodontia is found alongside a syndrome, like in ectodermal dysplasia, it’s termed as ‘syndromic hypodontia’. Teeth failure to develop or displace has also been linked with conditions such as orofacial clefting.
The cause of hyperdontia, however, is not fully known. This condition is thought to be caused by multiple factors. Syndromes such as cleidocranial dysplasia – a rare inherited syndrome affecting the bones, are considered when multiple extra teeth are found. Other syndromes linked to having more teeth than usual include cleft lip/palate, tricorhinofacial syndrome, and Gardner syndrome.
Risk Factors and Frequency for Developmental Disturbances of the Teeth, Anomalies of Number
Hypodontia and oligodontia refer to conditions where a person is missing one or more teeth. These are the most common types of teeth formation problems in humans. If a person is missing a baby tooth, it’s more likely they will also miss the adult tooth that would replace it.
- Among people of white ethnicity, less than 1% have hypodontia in their baby teeth, while it’s more common in Japanese people.
- Missing teeth in the adult teeth set is more common, affecting 1.6% to 36.5% of populations depending on the group.
- There’s no difference in how often hypodontia occurs in boys and girls when it comes to baby teeth but it’s seen slightly more often in women when it comes to adult teeth.
Hyperdontia, or having extra teeth, is also a relatively common teeth formation problem. It affects 0.8% of baby teeth sets and 2.1% of adult teeth sets. It’s seen slightly more often in males and is more common in the Hispanic population. These extra teeth are most commonly found in the upper front middle area of the mouth, and it’s rare to see multiple extra teeth in people who don’t have syndromes or associated diseases.
Signs and Symptoms of Developmental Disturbances of the Teeth, Anomalies of Number
Anodontia, hypodontia, oligodontia, and hyperdontia are all dental conditions that involve abnormal tooth development.
- Anodontia is a condition where your teeth completely fail to develop.
- Hypodontia is when you’re missing one to six teeth. However, this term can be used when any number of teeth are missing.
- Oligodontia refers specifically to the absence of six or more teeth.
- Hyperdontia is when there are extra teeth present – one or more than the usual count.
Testing for Developmental Disturbances of the Teeth, Anomalies of Number
Identifying cases of any level of hypodontia, or having less than the usual number of teeth, can happen quite early in life. This condition might be discovered when the primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, start to appear and a tooth is missing. However, more often we find it out later in life as the adult teeth are growing and a tooth does not appear as expected. Aside from a standard dental check-up, a panoramic x-ray serves as an essential tool in figuring out if a tooth or teeth are missing.
It’s fairly uncommon for a patient to have multiple extra teeth unless there is an underlying health condition or development issue. Considering that having a single extra tooth is quite a typical dental irregularity, there’s usually no need for additional medical evaluation for the patient. These extra teeth are typically found in the upper front part of the mouth, in the region of the lower pre-molars, or near the area of the third molars, also known as wisdom teeth.
Treatment Options for Developmental Disturbances of the Teeth, Anomalies of Number
The severity of hypodontia, or tooth absence, can range from mild to severe, and so can its treatment. Early detection is key in managing this condition, because starting treatment at a young age can make a big difference. Diagnosing this issue early can prevent further complications down the road and simplify the treatment process.
Treatments for missing teeth should always be carried out by qualified dental professionals. The simplest solution is a removable prosthesis, which is a less invasive method that typically doesn’t involve changing the structure of your existing teeth. If you’re missing a single tooth, you have several options, from choosing not to treat it, to having a fixed artificial tooth (prosthodontics), to getting a surgical implant. If multiple teeth are missing, treatments can be more complicated and may be more invasive.
On the other hand, hyperdontia refers to having extra teeth. If these extra teeth create problems for your gums, interfere with your bite, or hinder your dental restoration, they can usually be removed. However, if there’s enough space for the extra tooth and it’s not causing any issues, leaving it alone might be the best option. Sometimes, extra teeth are impacted, meaning they’re completely enclosed within the gums or the bone, which could increase the risk of certain dental problems. In such cases, regular dental X-rays are necessary to monitor any potential changes. If the extra teeth cause overcrowding in your mouth, maintaining good dental hygiene and having regular dental check-ups is very important.
What else can Developmental Disturbances of the Teeth, Anomalies of Number be?
If someone has fewer teeth than normal (a condition known as hypodontia), it might hint towards:
- Ectodermal dysplasia, especially if other symptoms or structural issues are present
- Early loss of teeth
- Otodental dysplasia, a rare condition affecting the development of certain teeth and the inner ear
On the other hand, if someone has more teeth than normal (a condition known as hyperdontia), it could be due to:
- Genetic conditions like cleidocranial dysplasia, Gardner syndrome, or trichorhinophalangeal syndrome
- Just a variation of normal anatomy, meaning that it is simply a unique aspect of the individual’s body
In either case, further examination is often needed to confirm these conditions.
What to expect with Developmental Disturbances of the Teeth, Anomalies of Number
Conditions such as anodontia, hypodontia, and oligodontia – all characterized by missing teeth – generally have a positive outlook, especially if they’re spotted and diagnosed early. The appropriate treatment can vary based on how many teeth are missing, but there are a variety of possible options for tooth replacement and restoration. In the case of severe hypodontia, which often comes with certain syndromes, managing the underlying syndrome generally takes priority and may sometimes limit the dental treatment that can be given.
Hyperdontia and supernumerary teeth – conditions that involve extra teeth – also typically have a good prognosis. These excess teeth are either treated or removed if they pose a risk to the growth of other teeth, affect appearance, or interfere with chewing.
Possible Complications When Diagnosed with Developmental Disturbances of the Teeth, Anomalies of Number
People with anodontia, hypodontia, or oligodontia may have varying degrees of complications based on how many teeth they are missing. Those missing most or all of their teeth usually face issues with talking and eating, which can significantly affect their quality of life. Individuals missing just two to four teeth are not as severely affected, as treatment options to restore or replace teeth are available.
Having too many teeth or “supernumerary teeth” can also cause problems. If these extra teeth are not properly positioned, they could block the normal growth of other teeth and might need to be removed, which can be a complex procedure. Additionally, having multiple extra teeth often indicates a deeper health or developmental issue that should be examined by a healthcare professional.
Preventing Developmental Disturbances of the Teeth, Anomalies of Number
Anodontia, hypodontia, and oligodontia, which are conditions related to missing or reduced number of teeth, can often be linked to inherited conditions or developmental issues. In most cases, the doctor managing these conditions will provide the patients with sufficient educational information. It is essential for patients to be educated about good oral hygiene habits and how important it is to have regular dental check-ups, to keep their teeth healthy. Plus, it’s crucial to check any dental restorations or devices regularly to make sure they’re in good condition.
Currently, it’s not completely understood how extra teeth, or supernumerary teeth, develop. It is generally thought that they come about due to an anomaly or an accelerated process during the formation of teeth, events that can’t really be controlled. If these extra teeth are kept, and there’s a chance they could lead to overcrowding in the mouth, patients should be strongly encouraged to take good care of their oral hygiene to prevent any dentition problems.
