Ectodermal Dysplasia In Children:
Clinical Study And Oral Rehabilitation
Omar A.S. EL-Meligy*
Abstract
Aim:
The aim of the present study was (1) To describe the dental findings in children with ectodermal dysplasia (ED), (2) To evaluate the restorative and prosthodontic treatment that was provided to these children, (3) To evaluate the related oral health quality of life (QOL) measures.
Patients and Methods:
Eight children suffering from ED were presented to the outpatient clinic of the Pediatric Dentistry Department for oral rehabilitation. They were subjected to dental clinical and radiographic evaluation. Restorative and prosthodontic treatment was provided to improve speech, masticatory function and facial esthetics of these children. The children were recalled for clinical and radiographic evaluations after 1 week (baseline), 6, 12 and 18 months. The oral health-related QOL measures were evaluated before and 4 weeks after oral rehabilitation.
Results:
Dental clinical examination and panoramic radiographs revealed a mean of 12.6 missing permanent teeth in the ED group. Maxillary central incisors, maxillary first molars, maxillary canines and mandibular first molars showed lowest percentage of absence (were most stable). Asymmetry in absent teeth was present in almost all tooth types. Clinical follow-up after 6, 12 and 18 months revealed 100% success rate for amalgam fillings, formocresol pulpotomies and stainless steel crowns. Radiographic follow-up of formocresol pulpotomies after 6, 12 and 18 months showed 100% success rate. For composite strip crowns and removable partial overdentures, a clinical success rate of 100% was found after 6 and 12 months. This dropped to 87.5% after 18 months.
* Lecturer in Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University
Conclusions:
From the present study, it can be concluded that:
(1) Clinical dental and radiographic examinations are important in diagnosing cases of ED. The number of missing teeth, abnormal crown forms, asymmetry in missing units are characteristic in cases of uncertain diagnosis.
(2) A clinical success rate of 87.5% for composite strip crowns and removable partial overdentures in comparison to 100% for amalgam fillings, formocresol pulpotomies and stainless steel crowns was recorded at the end of the study.
(3) Early dental intervention improved the patients’ appearance, speech and masticatory function.
(4) Oral rehabilitation was successful, establishing the function and improving the social living and QOL of these children.
