Allsmiles

Genetic dental abnormalities are represented by a number of oral problems that are caused by defective genes. These conditions can be unsightly or have even more serious implications when underlying medical problems are involved.

Some of the conditions that call under the category of genetic dental abnormalities include:

• Malocclusion is an improperly aligned jaw or abnormal teeth structure that is being affected by missing, crowded or extra teeth. This condition can lead to temporomandibular Joint disorder.

• Cleft lip and palate is the incomplete joining of the lip and palate that leaves a gap or split in the tissue of the lip or roof of the mouth.

• Cleft lip and palate are two separate conditions that often occur together.

• Anodontia and Hypodontia are conditions that basically refer to missing teeth, or permanent adult teeth that do not develop as they should. Anodontia generally refers to the failure of all of the teeth to erupt where Hypodontia involves situations where only some of the teeth are not developed.

• Supernumerary Teeth are extra permanent teeth that can develop anywhere in the mouth and are usually malformed.

• Gum Disease is the presence of a bacterial infection that can grow serious if untreated and damage teeth and bone structure.

• Canker Sores are non-contagious ulcers in the mouth with a whitish color and red border. Many times these sores are caused by stress, fatigue and food allergies but they could be associated with serious underlying conditions such as Crohn’s disease and other bowel-related disorders.

• Oral Cancer occurs most often in tobacco and alcohol users over the age of 40. Initially white and red spots in the mouth, oral cancers can be extremely dangerous if not treated.

• Gingival Fibromatosis involves gum tissue that grows over the normal limit and appears enlarged.

• Amelogenesis and Dentinogenesis Imperfecta are genetically passed disorders that involve the defective formation of the tooth enamel and dentin respectively.

A dentist can best diagnose these conditions after a thorough examination and recommend a treatment plan or specialist. A number of different specialists that include oral and plastic surgeons, ear nose and throat doctors, speech and language pathologists, orthodontists, oncologist, geneticist, prosthodontist could be called upon in the course of treatment.

There are a variety of procedures available to correct the aforementioned conditions. Some involve tooth extraction or surgery but others may only require use of a mouth guard or dental crown replacement. The extent of treatment, and therefore recovery, is determined on an individual basis based on specific case characteristics. Most treatment options will take several years to complete and return the face or palate to a more desirable state. In addition, other care services like speech therapy and psychological counseling may be recommended to fulfill the broader corrective picture. The cost of procedures will vary greatly; however most dental insurance companies will cover treatment costs and in some cases medical insurance may help defray costs if a medical doctor or oral surgeon performs the procedure.