What is dental agenesis?
Dental agenesis is defined as the congenital absence of one or more permanent teeth, which fail to erupt because they never form. Although it is something that often goes unnoticed by others, it is estimated to affect around 2% of the population, being a much higher percentage if we include wisdom teeth as a type of dental agenesis.
Although it can also occur with primary teeth, the highest percentage of affectation is in permanent dentition, being more frequent in lateral incisors and second premolars (wisdom teeth apart). Normally the first people to notice it are the parents, who come to the dentist's office relatively worried to ask why their child's milk tooth has long since fallen out and none has come in. I say relatively concerned because the most common cause of tooth agenesis is genetic, so parents may already know what they are dealing with.
Other factors include environmental, pathological or developmental causes.
How is dental agenesis diagnosed?
The only way to find out if we are dealing with a mere eruptive delay or if it is really a case of dental agenesis is by means of a radiological test, with which the paediatric dentist can determine whether or not there is a tooth germ of the deciduous tooth. An early diagnosis is essential in order to provide a solution and prevent long-term complications.
Once the diagnosis is certain, we could be talking about different types of agenesis, for example:
–Point agenesis or hypodontia: This is the absence of 1 to 6 teeth. It is common in cases where wisdom teeth do not develop.
–Multiple agenesis or oligodontia: Absence of 6 or more teeth, and there may be some anomaly in those that have already erupted.
–AnodonticsTotal absence of teeth, these are very exceptional cases and obviously the most severe of all.
What are the consequences of dental agenesis?
If we are talking about agenesis, the consequences can be greater or lesser, obviously, depending on the number and position of the missing teeth. Missing teeth are always noticeable, as we like to say, and the empty spaces cause adjacent teeth to move to undesired places, thus generating problems with occlusion, chewing and even speech.
It is therefore very important to consider orthodontic treatment in these cases, because the solution is not always as 'simple' as placing an implant in the missing space, but rather the agenesis usually causes other alterations or malocclusions and in this way the orthodontist can redistribute the space with the existing teeth.
In addition, of course, there are the psychological and emotional consequences, depending on how the agenesis affects the smile, which can have an impact on the patient's self-esteem and confidence.
What are the treatments for dental agenesis?
Treatment of dental agenesis will depend on the number of missing teeth, the location of the agenesis and the needs of the patient. Treatment options may or may not include orthodontics (to put the gaps in place and leave the entire occlusion well distributed) or dentures, to replace or substitute the missing teeth (usually dental implants).
As we said, each case is different and a detailed treatment plan is essential for each patient. Depending on the number of agenesis, the patient's profile, age and many other variables, one treatment choice or another will be established.
Furthermore, as an orthodontist I would like to point out that dental agenesis is a challenge for us, as it involves making very important movements of the roots of the teeth.
In summary, dental agenesis is a condition that can have a significant impact on a patient's oral health and quality of life. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to improve the function and aesthetics of the smile. And fortunately, if you're reading this, it's because you know Velez & Lozano has professionals who are fully experienced in these cases.