Clinical and radiological findings, SEM analysis and evaluation of caries risk in ectodermal dysplasia cases

Abstract

Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) consists of many different combinations of irregularities that include developmental defects that occur in two or more of the following tissues: teeth, nails, skin, hair and sweat glands. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible carries risk, perform scanning electron microscopy (SEM) mineral analysis in ectodermal dysplasia cases and describe the oral aspects. Ectodermal dysplasia cases, 41 patients (22 males and 19 females, aged 1.5 to 45 years), had a clinical examination. SEM analyses were performed from teeth that had to be extracted from ED cases for various reasons. Forty-one patients had tooth agenesis (from hypodontia to anodontia), multiple caries, hair and nail dystrophy. Also, extra orally they had sparse or absent hair, a short face, an unusual facial concavity, maxillary retrusion and relative mandibular protrusion. Differences between tooth samples were determined by SEM analyses. SEM analyses showed that the mineral content of ED teeth was lower than that of normal teeth and the surface properties of dentin and enamel were different. It is necessarily to support this observation with more comprehensive research. When dentists examine ED patients, they should consider the oral mucosa for excessive dryness and increased dental caries and should conduct a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to these patients in order to improve their dental, masticatory and caries conditions.