[Dental pathology in malformation syndromes: the methodology and intervention timing]

Due to the complexity and potential vulnerability of the cranio-facial area (skull, face, nose, oral cavity), specific alterations of this region are associated to genetic and acquired malformations in a high percentage of cases (75%). Often, the specificity and extent of the pathological symptoms occurring in the cranio-facial area are the dominant aspects of the malformation syndrome according to which it is classified. When multiple development anomalies in a newborn suggest the existence of a syndrome, the patient should be placed in the care of a pediatrician, who, together with a team of specialists, will follow the child and face the various problems related to the syndrome at the right time. The frequent marked involvement of the craniofacial area in malformation syndromes suggests the opportunity of a specialist methodology to standardize odontostomatological therapy.