Dental Anomalies Health Article

Health care team roles

No one specialist can provide the range of treatment that is frequently needed for many dental anomalies. The most effective management is accomplished with a team of professionals who can render a comprehensive diagnosis, determine treatment needs and priorities, and supervise long-term planning. A list of physicians and specialists required to treat a craniofacial deformity might include: plastic surgeon, otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist), audiologist, speech-language pathologist, oral/maxillofacial surgeon, orthodontist, pediatric/family dentist, dental hygienist, prosthodontist, geneticist/genetic counselor.

Prevention

The ADA advises dentists to discourage patients from using tobacco and illicit drugs, and to emphasize sound nutrition to maintain oral health and prevent nutritional anomalies. The NIDCR encourages clinical studies to diagnose genetic anomalies, decrease environmental risks, and improve treatment. Genetic counseling, mapping, and testing can help prevent dental anomalies in the next generation of children.

KEY TERMS

Anomaly—A deformity or abnormality.

Bridge—A dental prosthesis covering an open space in the mouth.

Cementum—A bony substance that covers the root of the tooth.

Condyle—The uppermost end of the mandible that sits in the zygomatic arch and allows the jaw to move.

Congenital—Present at birth; a nonhereditary condition acquired in utero.

Crown—1. The natural part of the tooth covered by enamel. 2. A restorative, protective shell that fits over a diseased or malformed tooth.

Decalcification—The wearing away of the enamel on the teeth.

Etiology—Cause or origin.

Extraction—Removal of the tooth.

Genetic—Inherited from the parents.

Mandible—Jaw, especially the lower jawbone.

Maxillary—Relating to the upper jaw region.

Maxillary central incisors—The front teeth on the upper jaw.

Maxillary lateral incisors—The teeth on the right and left quadrants of the upper jaw next to the front centrals.

Root canal therapy—Removal of the pulp of a tooth.

Veneer—A thin porcelain overlay that covers only the anterior surface of a tooth.

PERIODICALS

Tai, Chi-Chia E., I. Scott Sutherland, and Leland McFadden. "Prospective Analysis of Secondary Alveolar Bone Grafting Using Computed Tomography." Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (November 2000): vol. 58, no. 11, 1241–1249.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Dental Association. 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. (312) 440-2500. <http://www.ada.org>.

National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research. Building 45, Room 4AN-24 45 Center Drive, MSC 6402 Bethesda, MD 20892-6402. (301) 594-9898 <http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/extramural/cranio2.htm>.

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Professor Karlind Moller, Preventive Sciences, 15-209 Moos Tower, 515 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455.(612) 625-5945. <http://www.umn.edu/dental/services/index.html>.

OTHER

Howell, Dr. Maria Lopez. "Dental Discoloration: Causes and Cures." ADA Dental Minutes video. <http://www.ada.org/public/media/minute/DMVol7/dm-discolor.html>.

Howell, Dr. Maria Lopez. " Genetics and Dentistry." ADA Dental Minutes video. <http://www.ada.org/public/media/minute/DMVol7/dm-genetic.html>.

Howell, Dr. Maria Lopez. "Swimming Stains Teeth." ADA Dental Minutes video. <http://www.ada.org/public/media/minute/DMVol-4/dm-swim.html>.

Cindy F. Ovard, RDA