Syndromic and Non-Syndromic Primary Failure of Tooth Eruption: A Genetic Overview

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Primary failure of tooth eruption (PFE) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the failure of teeth to erupt in the absence of obvious physical obstructions, often resulting in a progressive open bite that is resistant to orthodontic treatment. While PFE can be caused by genetic or systemic factors (such as cysts, tumors, and endocrine imbalances), the non-syndromic causes are primarily genetic, with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern with variable expressivity. Several genes have been closely associated with the non-syndromic PFE form. The PTH1R (parathyroid hormone 1 receptor) is the most commonly PFE-associated gene. Additional genes associated with minor frequency are Transmembrane protein 119 (TMEM119), which reduces the glycolytic efficiency of bone cells, limiting their mineralization capacity and causing bone fragility; Periostin (POSTN), which regulates the extracellular matrix and the bone’s response to mechanical stress; and Lysine (K)-specific methyltransferase 2C (KMT2C), which establishes histone methylation near the Wnt Family Member 5A (WNT5A) gene involved in dental development (odontogenesis). Syndromic forms of PFE are typically associated with complex multisystem disorders, where dental eruption failure is one of the clinical features of the spectrum. These syndromes are often linked to genetic variants that affect ectodermal development, craniofacial patterning, and skeletal growth, leading to abnormal tooth development and eruption patterns. Notable syndromes include GAPO syndrome, ectodermal dysplasia, and cleidocranial dysplasia, each contributing to PFE through distinct molecular mechanisms, such as disruptions in dental structure development, cranial abnormalities, or systemic developmental delays. The main aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the genetic basis underlying both syndromic and non-syndromic forms of PFE to facilitate precision diagnosis, foster the development of personalized therapeutic strategies, and offer new insights into managing this complex dental anomaly.