Ectodermal dysplasia: a case report of aesthetic-functional rehabilitation

Abstract

Aim: describe a clinical case of a patient with ectodermal dysplasia (ED), discussing the main characteristics of this syndrome and the proposed dental treatment. Case report: A 6-year-old male patient sought care complaining of “having difficulties in eating and being bullied at school due to missing some teeth”. In the anamnesis, the person responsible presented a medical diagnosis of ED. The intraoral examination showed microdontia of the maxillary canines and deciduous maxillary left central incisor, and absence of other dental elements. As treatment proposals, reanatomizations were carried out with composite resin of the three deciduous teeth present in the mouth and construction of an upper removable partial denture (PPR) and a lower total denture (PT) to replace the missing teeth, bringing the aesthetic and prosthetic rehabilitation of the patient, as well as improving their self-esteem and well-being. Discussion: ED is a hereditary disease of embryonic origin that affects structures derived from the ectoderm, such as hair, nails, skin, glands and teeth. Important dental manifestations, such as agenesis, can be seen in patients with this syndrome. Conclusion: In view of this, it is extremely important that the dentist knows how to identify the main characteristics of this syndrome, since in many cases he is the first professional to be sought by the patient or his family. Once the diagnosis is established, affected patients should receive a multi-professional approach to the treatment of this condition, in order to promote physical and emotional well-being and increase their quality of life.