Hypodontia (Missing Teeth) Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Hypodontia (Missing Teeth) Overview Hypodontia is a type of dental agenesis, i.e., congenitally missing teeth. Specifically, hypodontia patients may have one to six missing teeth. About 2–8% of the general population has hypodontia. While hypodontia can occur in part of the oral cavity, the upper lateral incisors and the second and lower second premolars usually represent the most commonly missing teeth in patients with hypodontia. Causes and risk factors Hypodontia is mostly a birth defect and passes down in the family. In patients with hypodontia, abnormalities in the dental lamina, i.e., the tissue underneath the gums where the teeth are formed, are observed. Hypodontia may occur in association with certain syndromes. e.g., Crouzon syndrome, Williams syndrome, achondroplasia, orofaciodigital syndrome, and Rieger syndrome.Hypodontia has also been observed alongside other conditions, such as low birth weight, genetic disorders (Down’s syndrome or ectodermal dysplasia), infectious diseases (candidiasis or rubella), or cleft palate/lip.Hypodontia can also be caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Symptoms Being born with one to six missing teeth at birth represents the most common symptom of this condition. Hypodontia can affect either the primary (baby) or permanent (adult) teeth anywhere within the oral cavity. The presence of peg-shaped teeth or teeth that are smaller than average can also been observed; patients may also present with gaps and spaces between the existing teeth.Some hypodontia patients also display other symptoms characteristic of genetic disorders (such as ectodermal dysplasia), such as nail abnormalities, hair thinning, poor vision and hearing, and lack of sweat glands.Difficulties in eating, chewing, and speaking are a common result of missing teeth.Hypodontia may also damage the gums and impair the growth of the jawbone, which, in turn, can cause the jaw to be underdeveloped and appear smaller (than average). Diagnosis Hypodontia can be diagnosed by the following:Oral examination: Dentists may look for other symptoms of hypodontia (apart from missing teeth), such as the presence of gaps between existing teeth or peg-shaped teeth.Dental X-rays: Dental X-rays may reveal the absence of tooth buds.If a child’s primary teeth do not erupt by the age of 4 years or the permanent teeth do not appear by the age of 14, scheduling an appointment with a dentist is advised to address concerns about the child’s missing teeth. Treatment Methods for treating hypodontia include: Application of orthodontic devices, such as braces.Application of partial dentures (removable dental prostheses) for replacing missing teeth in the lower and/or upper jaw.Application of dental bridges for replacing missing teeth by taking support from two adjacent teeth.Application of dental implants (titanium-based screws) for replacing a missing tooth without any support from the adjacent teeth.Until they are old enough to receive one or more of the aforementioned treatments, typically, children with hypodontia are advised to wear partial dentures.