A Review of Hypodontia: Classification, Prevalence, Etiology, Associated Anomalies, Clinical Implications and Treatment Options

Abstract

ABSTRACT A retrospective review of literature was carried out to determine the classification, prevalence, etiology, associated anomalies, clinical implications and treatment options for hypodontia. Many methods of classification have been reported in the literature. Some researchers have classified hypodontia as isolated family form or as an inherited form; others have defined the congenital absence of teeth according to the number of missing teeth and yet classified hypodontia according to the severity of the condition. The prevalence of hypodontia in the primary dentition is found to be very low whereas the occurrence of tooth agenesis varies in the permanent dentition based on ethnic and sex differences. The tooth most commonly found to be missing is the third molar. With regard to the remaining 28 teeth, metaanalysis has revealed that the teeth most commonly affected are the mandibular second premolars, maxillary lateral incisors, maxillary second premolars and the mandibular incisors. From the literature it is evident that the etiology of hypodontia is varied and that genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors may be contributory factors. Tooth anomalies reported in the literature to be associated with hypodontia, include microdontia, canine impaction, taurodontism, transposition and rotation of teeth, and hypoplastic alveolar bone. Researchers have suggested that clinical management of hypodontia requires careful multidisciplinary planning and has financial implications. The suggested members of the team should include general dental practitioners, dental nurses, orthodontists, pediatric dentists, prosthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, specialist laboratory technicians, clinical psychologists, clinical geneticists, dermatologists, speech and language therapists. How to cite this article AlShahrani I, Togoo RA, AlQarni MA. A Review of Hypodontia: Classification, Prevalence, Etiology, Associated Anomalies, Clinical Implications and Treatment Options. World J Dent 2013;4(2):117-125.