Rehabilitation Considerations for Very Young Children with Severe Oligodontia due to Ectodermal Dysplasia: Report of Three Clinical Cases with a 2-Year Follow-Up

Abstract

Introduction. Management of oligodontia can be complicated and requires multidiscipline care, involving a wide spectrum of interventions. The aim of this report is to describe the challenges of oral rehabilitation of three very young children with oligodontia. Report. Three preschool aged Caucasian males, diagnosed with ectodermal dysplasia, were treated with interim removable dentures in order to replace missing teeth, reclaim vertical dimension, and improve function and aesthetics. The main challenges faced were patient cooperation, dental and skeletal characteristics, and parental expectations. Two years post-treatment, both patients and parents reported excellent adaptation to prosthesis and satisfaction with aesthetics. Conclusion. Rehabilitation of oligodontia may be challenging due to accompanying oral findings, dentofacial growth considerations, and behavioral issues. Establishment of good rapport between patients, parents, and clinician is the key for the success of the treatment even with the use of nonpharmacological behavioral management techniques.