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The Hypodontia Hype

BDJ Student (2022)Cite this article

Hypodontia is the developmental absence of one or more teeth, excluding third molars.1 It is a common dental anomaly and can present clinical challenges in relation to function and aesthetics. It is therefore important to be able to diagnose hypodontia and have an awareness of the appropriate management plan.

According to severity:2

  • Mild: 1-2 missing teeth

  • Moderate: 3-5 missing teeth

  • Severe: 6 or more missing teeth.

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References

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  2. Larmour C J, Mossey P A, Thind B S, Forgie A H and Stirrups D R. Hypodontia - a retrospective review of prevalence and etiology. Part I. Quintessence Int 2005; 36: 263-270.

  3. Hobkirk J A, Goodman J R and Jones S P. Presenting complaints and findings in a group of patients attending a hypodontia clinic. Br Dent J 1994; 177: 337-339.

  4. Al-Kharboush G H. College of Dentistry, King Saud University; 2010. Dental anomalies associated with cleft lip and palate in a Saudi sample [master's thesis].

  5. Mestrović S R, Rajić Z, Papić J S. Hypodontia in patients with Down's syndrome. Coll Antropol 1998; 22: 69-72.

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  8. Al-Ani A, Antoun J, Thomson W, Merriman T, Farella M. Hypodontia: An Update on Its Etiology, Classification, and Clinical Management. BioMed Res Int 2017; 2017: 1-9.

  9. Lush N, Holliday R, Chapple J, Nohl F, Cole B. Hypodontia: aesthetics and functions part 1: aetiology and the problems. Dent Update 2014; 41: 811-815.

  10. Gill D and Barker C. The multidisciplinary management of hypodontia: a team approach. Br Dent J 2015; 218: 143-149.

  11. Creugers N, Kayser A, Van't Hof M. A Seven-and-a-half-year Survival Study of Resin-bonded Bridges. J Dent Res 1992; 71: 1822-1825.

  12. Kearns G, Sharma A, Perrott D, Schmidt B, Kaban L, Vargervik K. Placement of endosseous implants in children and adolescents with hereditary ectodermal dysplasia. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Path 1999; 88: 5-10.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Dentistry, Belfast, UK

    Rachael Suffern

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  1. Rachael Suffern
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Correspondence to Rachael Suffern.

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Cite this article

Suffern, R. The Hypodontia Hype. BDJ Student (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41406-021-0237-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41406-021-0237-z

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