Dental Implants in the Management of Nonsyndromal Oligodontia

Oligodontia has been reported to be the most or one of the most common developmental dental anomalies. The severity and pattern of oligodontia has been shown to affect craniofacial morphology, a situation with obvious implications for preprosthetic orthodontic treatment. Given the associations between developmental pathways and tissue homeostasis, it is fascinating that oligodontia may be used as a marker for malignancy and hitherto unreported congenital malformations. This article discusses the etiology, prevalence, and consequences of oligodontia, followed by a review of approaches to treatment depending on the presentation of the patient.