What Is Tooth Agenesis; Types, Symptoms, Treatments and Prevention

“Tooth agenesis” is a medical term which is used for people who have missing teeth. Well, you can learn each and everything about it in this guide.

What is Anodontia?

Anodontia is another term to describe the tooth agenesis, but in this condition all teeth are completely absent in an individual. This is a genetic disorder. People who have Tooth agenesis do have a missing tooth. It may include some other abnormalities, as it is a part of a syndrome. This disorder called anodontia is very rare but hypodontia and oligodontia are more common. The further described forms of Tooth agenesis are mostly the same, but differ by the number of the tooth and with or without third molars. Commonly, it is known as “wisdom tooth”.

What is Hypodontia?

This condition also describes the missing tooth. In this, one to six teeth can be missing, all teeth were never developed after birth. Wisdom teeth are not included in this count of the tooth. This mostly happens after the transfer of the “Genes”. Most parents transfer this disorder into their child. Mostly refers to a birth defect.

In some cases, hypodontia teeth can be developed as a result of some illness or the treatments during the teething phases. The suggested treatments of hypodontia are orthodontics, implantation of the teeth and bridges.

What is Oligodontia?

This is again the condition of missing teeth. But in this, the number of teeth are from 6 to more. Wisdom teeth are excluded in this count.

This is the most common disorder among all of the disorders for absence of the teeth. This condition can affect the overall functioning.

For an easy understanding we will describe them in short term:

Anodontia: 

In this condition, all teeth are completely absent.

Hypodontia: 

In this condition, the missing teeth are about 1 to 6, not counting third molars in this.

Oligodontia:

 In this condition, 6 or more teeth are absent, again wisdom teeth are not included.

All of the above described conditions can involve the set of the permanent teeth or the primary ones. In most of the cases the permanent teeth are involved in this. In the agenesis of teeth, not only the number of the teeth should be considered but also the type of the missing teeth also matters.  

Ectodermal Dysplasias:

It is another medical condition, which is commonly linked with the agenesis of teeth. In this condition the normal functioning and development of the nails, teeth, hairs, sweat glands are highly affected.

Effects of Agenesis of Tooth on oral hygiene:

Tooth agenesis can make normal life difficult for the individual. As he may feel pain and discomfort while eating. It can also affect the speech of the person. The overall appearance and look of your jaw can also become smaller due to the insufficient growth of the bone. Tooth agenesis can have a deep impact on your overall hygiene.

Tooth Agenesis and Appearance of Mouth:

Agenesis of Tooth can appear in any area of the mouth of an individual. But the most common cases are defined below:

1.    Upper lateral incisors:

A smaller tooth can appear on the top or side of the two of your front teeth.

2.    Lower second premolars:

In this condition a tooth appears in front of the molars present on the bottom.

3.    Upper second premolars:

In this a tooth appears on the front side of your molars on the top.

Causes of Dental Agenesis:

The main cause of dental agenesis is an abnormal “Dental Lamina”. There is a strap of the tissue located under your gums from which a tooth is formed. Mainly, as it is discussed above, dental agenesis is commonly caused by genetics along with some other factors.

Genetics or History of the Family:

The genes that are involved in formation of teeth are EDAR, WNT1OB, EDA and EDARADD. Doctors test the disorders of genes by examining its 2 copies. These are the genes coming from each parent. .

How ordinary is this Dental Agenesis?

According to a recent survey in the United States, the ratio of this dental agenesis affecting people falls between 3 to 10 percent of the total population of the USA.

Agenesia Dental, and its effects on Females:

It is studied that dental agenesis has more effects on women. This can also be the reason as the body of females goes under the whole development of an individual into their bodies.

Symptoms of Tooth Agenesis:

The major symptom includes missing teeth, but there are still some other symptoms. It includes:

• You may see spaces between the teeth.
• People may have large pulp chambers.
• Rectangular teeth may be appearing very large in size.
• Peg shaped teeth or smaller in appearance.

People with tooth agenesis due to genetic disorder, may experience:

• Weakness of eyesight.
• Abnormalities in nail development.
• Loss of hearing ability.
• Thinning of the hairs.
• They may lack sweat glands.

Connection of Tooth Agenesis with some medical treatments:

Tooth agenesis can be caused by the cancer treatment in the childhood, that may affect your overall health. Like;

• Radiation therapy (used to treat cancer).
• Chemotherapy (also used to treat cancer cells).

Diagnosis of tooth agenesis:

It can easily be diagnosed through a regular examination by a dentist. Dental X-rays can be done to further confirm the disease in an individual.

Treatment of Tooth Agenesis:

Treatment of Tooth Agenesis in Children:

Dental agenesis can easily be treated by replacement of teeth or orthodontics. The option for the treatment includes;

• Implantation of teeth.
• Dentures
• Braces, which come under the treatments of orthodontics.
• Dental bridges.

Kids with dental agenesis have to wear partial dentures at a certain age. They can have other treatments when they reach a certain age.

Can we Prevent Dental Agenesis?

As it is discussed above, tooth agenesis is a genetic disorder. You cannot do anything to prevent this disease. It should be noted that, it is not compulsory to transfer these genes to your child, if you have this disorder.

FAQ’S:

What is the difference between Tooth Agenesis and hypodontia?

Tooth agenesis is a developmental abnormality of the teeth, as there is absence of the teeth during development. Hypodontia refers to the absence of primary and secondary teeth, or absence of 1 to 6 teeth.

How do you fix agenesis in teeth?

In Tooth agenesis some of the teeth never developed. Tooth agenesis can be fixed through orthodontics, dental implants or dentures.

What is the difference between tooth agenesis and oligodontia?

There is a difference of numbers between both terms. In oligodontia, 6 or more teeth are not present. As well as, hypodontia points towards the absence of 1 to 6 teeth. Both conditions exclude the third molars (Wisdom Tooth).

What genetic disorder causes missing teeth?

This condition basically happens as part of the syndrome. This may include further abnormalities.