[Ectodermal dysplasia - A challenge for dentists]

Ectodermal dysplasias (EDs) form a large clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of manifestations characterized by dystrophy or agenesis of embryologic ectodermal derivatives. Therefore skin, nails, hair, teeth and secretory organs are mainly affected. Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is the most common ED syndrom. It is characterized by atrichosis or hypotrichosis, anodontia or hypodontia and hypohidrosis. Missing teeth or retarded eruption of teeth often leads to the diagnosis of ED, which emphasizes the significance of an appropriate dental examination. Tooth agenesis and its effects on craniofacial structures are often the most signicificant clinical and therapeutical problem. It is a challenge to manage the functional, esthetic and psychosocial needs of these patients and therefore requires the involvement of different specialists, such as pediatrists, pedodontists, oral surgeons and prosthodontists.