Ectodermal Dysplasias
Patients With Ectodermal Dysplasias
Ectodermal dysplasias are a group of over 150 inherited disorders that impair the development of the ectodermal structures of the skin, hair, nails, teeth (causes dental abnormalities and missing teeth), and sweat glands. When a person has at least two types of abnormal ectodermal features—for example, malformed teeth and extremely sparse hair—the individual is commonly identified as being affected by ectodermal dysplasia. The disease can also be known as hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, or anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia.
What Causes Ectodermal Dysplasias?
The ectodermal dysplasias are caused by changes or misspellings in our genes. In medical terms, these are often called “mutations”. Many genetic changes are unique to a family. However, even in families and individuals who have the exact same mutation, there can be variability in how the condition affects each family member.
Characteristics of Ectodermal Dysplasias
Oral characteristics may include missing primary and/or adult teeth; malformed teeth; abnormal and/or unpredictable tooth eruption; an abnormal tooth-loss sequence; cleft lip; cleft palate, widely spaced teeth; cavity-prone teeth; undeveloped boney ridges in the gum area as well as abnormal tooth growth patterns.
Photo Courtesy of the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias
Important Note to Parents
The young, adolescent ectodermal dysplasias dental patient often requires several stages of treatment due to the growing and changing child; the unusual growth patterns and/or missing boney ridges in the gum area and dental structures. This treatment is best handled by a team of trained experts who specialize in determining the proper sequence for dental patients with ectodermal dysplasias.
Dental & TMJ Specialists of Greater DC consists of a team of dental experts and health care professionals that have extensive hours of training and experience treating patients from adolescents to adulthood with ectodermal dysplasia in the oral cavity. As a full scope dental practice and in affiliation with the National Foundation of Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED), our patients are appreciative that all specialty fields of dentistry are encompassed into one office.
Leading our team of ectodermal dysplasia dental experts is Dr. Carl Driscoll, a board certified Maxillofacial Prosthodontist, with over thirty-years of experience treating patients with Ectodermal Dysplasia in the oral cavity.
For more information about the Dental & TMJ Specialists of Greater DC or to schedule a consultation, please contact our Executive Director, Jillian Grinfeld at 301-493–9500.
Photo Courtesy of the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias
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Dental & TMJ Treatment
Ectodermal Dysplasia
Ectodermal dysplasia affect the development of skin, hair, and nails, and can impact oral health as well. At Greater DC Specialists, we offer personalized care for patients with ectodermal dysplasia to ensure comfort and long-term dental health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.
Award-Winning Care
Dr. Kaplan has recently been awarded by the American College of Prosthodontists recognizing extraordinary collegiality, outreach, and community service.
