Britain's youngest implant patients? – A Case Series of implant treatment in children with ectodermal dysplasia

Abstract

Ectodermal dysplasia is a hereditary disorder that is characterised by abnormalities in the development of embryologically derived ectodermal tissues and structures. Many patients with this condition can present with oligodontia or anodontia. Subsequently, this can lead to aesthetic and functional problems that can have negative effects on self‐esteem, self‐image and overall quality of life. Therefore, for this group of patients, there is a demand for prosthetic treatment in early childhood that is effective in managing their specific issues. This case series presents a method of prosthetic rehabilitation that uses dental implant‐retained overdentures for two paediatric patients with ectodermal dysplasia. We discuss the treatment options and limitations of conventional removable prostheses for these patients, and the rationale for implant placement. Furthermore, we discuss the significance of the psychological well‐being of the child and the positive effects that this treatment can have during their crucial early years of development and school years. Currently, there is limited evidence available for the use of dental implants in children. Thus, a multi‐disciplinary team approach with appropriate planning and parental involvement is essential for successful outcomes.

Implants as a treatment alternative in children with multiple agnesia: Systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Brahim 2005 ( 7 ), is the one with the highest number of participants, with a total of 35, followed by Bergendal 2008 ( 8 ) with 26, Heuberer 2014 ( 9 ) with 18 and Lambert 2017 ( 10 ) with 12. Similarly, studies such as those by Heuberer 2011 ( 11 ) or Kearns 1999 ( 12 ) included 6 patients, Filius 2014 ( 13 ) or Montanari 2014 ( 14 ) included 4 and Clarke 2020 ( 15 ), Fotso 2009 ( 16 ) or Escobar 1998 ( 17 ) only 2.…”

“…Regarding the general medical history and clinical history of the patient, practically all the studies presented patients with ectodermal dysplasia with the exception of 3. In the work of Clarke 2020 ( 15 ), one of the cases has Hay-Wells syndrome. In the case of Mass 2007 ( 22 ) it is the Williams-Beuren syndrome and finally Woo 2003 ( 28 ) presents the case of a patient with Papillon-Levefre syndrome.…”

“…For the restoration, overdentures were the most commonly used, either with ball attachments ( 14 , 15 ) or with a metal reinforcement structure ( 41 , 18 , 38 ). The teeth were usually made of acrylic-based resin, supported by mucosa, but retained by the implants.…”

Dental implants survival rates among ectodermal dysplasia patients: aggregation and synthesis of literature data

“…In 2022 Seremidi et al described case series of dental implants placement for 3.5-year-old patients with ED [9]. In another case series authors named patients with ectodermal dysplasia as "Britain's youngest implants patients" [10].…”

Restorative considerations in children with congenital dental anomalies

“…In children a deviation from the accepted dentofacial form can lead to bullying from contemporaries 1 . Dental anomalies may have a psychological effect on the self-esteem of children and adolescents, most notably during this early phase of psychosocial development 2 . Congenital defects, trauma and conditions causing oligodontia, aplasia and malocclusion can cause functional, aesthetic and psychosocial challenges for growing patients 3 .…”