A new dimension in the dental rehabilitation of hereditary ectodermal dysplasia

Abstract

Partial or complete anodontia is one of the major dental findings in a patient of Hereditary Ectodermal Dysplasia (HED) and is diagnosed at a young age when the parents are concerned about the child’s functional needs and esthetic appearance. The oral rehabilitation of these cases is often very challenging. Removable partial and complete dentures are most commonly used treatment modalities for such patients. Although implants and implant supported dentures can be considered, age is one of the compromising factors for placement of implants in young patients due to the possibility of impending growth of jaws. We present here a case of 3 and a half year old male patient of HED treated successfully with implants. With a long term follow up of 6 years, we achieved excellent functional and esthetic results thereby boosting the self-confidence of the child. Keywords: Hereditary ectodermal dysplasia, Anodontia, Dental implants.