Removable prosthetic management for tooth agenesis in the pediatric population: A systematic review of case reports and case series

Statement of problem Dental agenesis is a condition in which the absence of teeth causes debilitating problems, primarily in speech, mastication, and esthetics. The optimal removable prosthetic management for the condition is unclear. Purpose The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the spectrum of removable prosthetic techniques with regard to the type of edentulism and to provide clinical guidance for practicing dentists. Material and methods An electronic and manual search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Publications of case reports and series written in English without data restrictions that reported on removable prosthodontic management of patients with oligodontia, hypodontia, or anodontia were included. Results A total of 59 articles comprising 83 case reports were analyzed. In patients with anodontia, the most common treatment option was an acrylic resin complete denture. Hypodontia and oligodontia were commonly managed by using either a partial denture or overdenture. Irreversible hydrocolloid or alginate was the most accepted material for the preliminary impressions and elastomeric materials for definitive impressions. The tooth arrangements were modified to simulate natural dentition and improve esthetics. Modifications of conventional acrylic resin dentures have been proposed for improved denture adaptation. Good retention is essential to the long-term success of prosthetic treatment and may be achieved with a denture reline or with retention clasps. The active growth of the patients means constant maintenance, including denture renewals or repairs, emphasizing the need for long-term follow-up care. Conclusions Prosthodontic rehabilitation at an early age has been shown to significantly impact the overall quality of life for a child with tooth agenesis.