These usually affect women more than men for reasons that are still not entirely clear.
This issue creates not only functional disorders, but also aesthetic and psychological discomfort in the sufferer. Not being able to smile freely is not something insignificant. Usually missing are the lateral incisors, and predominantly affected is the lower arch on both sides.
The medical team at Studio Savasta treats dental agenesis through a thorough examination of the patient and an analysis of the underlying situation. We then see what causes them and how we intervene to solve such a problem.
Types and causes of dental agenesis
Based on the amount and type of missing tooth, different types of agenesis are distinguished:
- partial or hypodontia, that is, the absence of one or more teeth in a number less than 6;
- Multiple or oligodontia, when it involves more than 6 teeth;
- total or ablastodontia, which is the absence of permanent teeth, very rare and of genetic origin.
The moment you realize you are suffering from this disorder, we recommend that you undergo a medical examination as soon as possible to find the appropriate therapy to pursue.
Agenesias, in addition to having a considerable cosmetic impact, can cause problems with phonation, malocclusion, chewing, and tooth crowding. If action is not taken in a timely manner, one may be at risk for oral surgery and implant surgery.
Regarding baby teeth in children, it is not always necessary to intervene. It usually happens that around the age of 6-10 years the teeth may not fall out, or they fall out but do not grow back. Through an early examination of the young patient, around 2-3 years of age, we can carefully analyze the teeth.
The causes behind the non-appearance of some teeth are varied, but usually attributable to hereditary and genetic factors. For example, in some cases dental agenesis characterizes the teeth of patients with Down syndrome.
In addition to genetic factors there may be problems with rickets; hormonal imbalances; syphilis; malnutrition; traumatic or infectious events; chemotherapy; and delayed tooth eruption.
How we treat dental agenesis
At Dr. Savasta's office you can treat your problem related to dental agenesis. The first thing we do is an X-ray to check the patient's bone structure and jaw bone thickness.
Through radiographic examination we can ascertain many things. It may in fact be, for example, a bony inclusion, a condition whereby the teeth have no room to come out. In addition, it is possible to check for dental crowding.
So how do we intervene in the presence of dental agenesis? One of the most commonly used methods is traditional dentures to supplant the missing tooth. We generally use removable or adhesive dentures.
Implant or orthodontic procedures may also be necessary. For example, if molars or premolars are missing, orthodontic appliances may be used to achieve the goal of arch alignment.
With implant surgery, we fill gaps in the teeth with fixed artificial dentures by inserting a titanium screw that acts as a post.
However, before arriving at this option we carefully evaluate several aspects such as the patient's age; the gingival situation; the type of agenesis and so on. This is a necessary history to understand how best to intervene.
Speaking of age, children up to the age of 17 cannot undergo implant surgery. However, this does not mean that nothing can be done.
Indeed, it is important that in case the missing tooth is a premolar, we will aim to preserve the baby tooth as much as possible. It is necessary to do this in order to maintain a space necessary for future implant installation.
In the case of an incisor, a prosthesis can be installed later, and to maintain the space we create a temporary bridge.
If you think you are suffering from this problem, the advice we give is to visit the specialist to check the condition of your oral cavity. By intervening in a timely manner you can restore beauty and health to your smile. Teeth are an important component of a person's overall well-being.
