Treatment considerations for a patient with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia: a case report

This clinical report describes the oral rehabilitation of a 6-year-old male ectodermal dysplasia (ED) patient diagnosed with hypodontia.

ED is a hereditary disease characterized by a congenital dysplasia of one or more ectodermal structures and their accessory appendages. Common manifestations include defective hair follicles and eyebrows, frontal bossing with prominent supraorbital ridges, nasal bridge depression, and protuberant lips. Intraorally, most common findings are anadontia or hypodontia, conical teeth, and generalize spaces. The patient may suffer from dry skin, hyperthermia, and unexplained high fever as a result of deficiency of sweat glands.

A six-year-old boy who exhibited many of the manifestations of ED as well as behavioral problems and a severe gag reflex. The treatment was designed to improve his appearance and oral functions and included the fabrication of several removable prostheses and acid-etched composite resin restorations during his growth and development.

Young patients with ED need to be evaluated early by a dental professional to determine the oral ramifications of the condition. When indicated, appropriate care needs to be rendered throughout the child's growth cycle to maintain oral functions as well as to address the esthetic needs of the patient. This clinical report demonstrates that removable partial dentures associated with direct composite restorations can be a reversible and inexpensive method of treatment for young ED patients.