What Is Anodontia?

Anodontia is a congenital condition distinguished by the absence of multiple teeth. This is usually seen in connection with a larger genetic disorder, rather than on its own as an individual medical issue. Treatments are available, and usually involve prosthetics to restore function and appearance to the mouth. Patients may also need other medical interventions in connection with the underlying condition that caused the issue in the first place.

In patients with this condition, it may not be immediately evident until the primary teeth start to erupt. A child with complete anodontia may never develop this initial set of teeth. Others may experience a partial eruption, where some of the teeth come in, but not others. Dental x-rays can show whether teeth are delayed for some reason or not developing at all. As patients lose their primary teeth, those with anodontia may fail to develop some or all of the permanent replacements.

Congenital disorders associated with anodontia often involve the skin and connective tissue. If a doctor diagnoses such a condition, screening for dental problems may be recommended. This can allow care providers to identify any potential issues as early as possible. For patients who have some of the their teeth, it can be important to provide dental care to ensure that the natural teeth don't develop crookedly or shift out of position because of the gaps in the jaw. Spacers, braces, and other tools can be used to promote even development.

Prosthetic teeth can be implanted into the jaw or worn in the form of dentures. These teeth can help patients articulate clearly as they learn to speak, and also provide assistance with chewing and other tasks. Regular checks are necessary to make sure the prosthetics still fit properly and are comfortably placed in the mouth. As children grow, their jaws can change shape and size, which may push prosthetic teeth out of position or cause a denture to stop fitting. Other care may be necessary to limit gum recession and jaw resorption, which can occur in association with anodontia.

Partial anodontia, where only some of the teeth are missing, can also occur. Such patients may only lack one to three teeth, and may experience fewer hardships than those with full anodontia, where none of the teeth develop. They may still require braces and other orthodontics to control their dental development. A dentist can perform an evaluation to determine which interventions may be necessary or appropriate.