Commentary on: A study of patients attending a multidisciplinary hypodontia clinic over a five year period

Abstract

Aim To gather information about planned treatment, outcomes and type of patient attending a multidisciplinary hypodontia clinic over a five year period at Glasgow Dental Hospital and School.Study design There were three parts to the study: (i) to report demographics of the patients with hypodontia attending the multidisciplinary clinic from its outset in February 2002 until February 2007; (ii) to report on both the treatment planned on the clinic and whether this was completed as intended; and (iii) to show the number of patients for whom implants were considered.Methods The existing hypodontia database was analysed, supplemented where required by data gathered retrospectively from patients' clinical records and radiographs.Results In the demographic component there were 108 patients seen between February 2002 and February 2007, 57% female patients with a mean age of 13 years. Ninety-one percent (n ≤ 107) of patients were missing two or more teeth, with most common missing teeth being upper lateral incisors. Orthodontic therapy was most frequently considered in treatment planning. Nineteen patients (23%) may require dental implants.Conclusions The majority of the patients were female, adolescent and had a positive or suspected family history of hypodontia. Orthodontic therapy was most frequently considered in treatment planning. Nineteen patients may undergo surgery for placement of dental implants.