Ectodermal dysplasia and dental treatment: a narrative review
Authors
Lucia Giannini, Guido Galbiati, Giuseppe Sofi, Chiara Cressoni, Kenan Ferati, Arberesha Bexheti-Ferati, Rosalba Lagioia, Antonio Rizzo
Abstract
Aim: Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) frequently presents with hypodontia/oligodontia, conical teeth, and alveolar deficiency, compromising oral function and psychosocial well-being.
Materials and Methods: A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase (January 2014-September 2025).
Results: Of 787 records identified, 22 studies met the inclusion criteria after screening and full-text assessment. The evidence was predominantly Level 4 (case reports/series), with heterogeneous protocols and follow-up. In children, removable prostheses were the most common first-line rehabilitation and typically required repeated modifications during growth; orthodontic/orthopedic measures were often used to manage spacing and transverse discrepancies. In adolescents and adults, implant-supported restorations generally achieved satisfactory function and esthetics, but frequently required adjunctive procedures (e.g., augmentation or sinus elevation). Digital planning and guided approaches were increasingly reported. Overall, outcomes were described inconsistently and were rarely assessed using standardized objective or patient-reported measures, limiting comparisons across approaches. Conclusion: Early, staged, multidisciplinary care with long-term maintenance is recommended, and prospective multicenter studies with shared endpoints are needed to inform evidence-based guidelines.
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