Associations between ectodermal dysplasia, psychological distress and quality of life in a group of adults with oligodontia

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess demographics, self-reported signs of ectodermal dysplasia (problems with hair, nails, skin and sweat glands), present teeth, previous dental treatment, psychological distress and QoL in individuals with oligodontia, and to explore the associations between these factors. We also aimed to compare the level of psychological distress and QoL between the study group and normative samples. Methods: Forty-seven individuals with oligodontia registered at a resource centre in Norway were included in the study. The participants completed self-administered questionnaires on demographics, ED signs, dental treatments, psychological distress and QoL (overall, health-related- and oral health-related QoL). Relevant statistics (independent t-test, correlation analysis and hierarchical multiple regressions) were used. Results: Thirty-five participants reported ED signs. Forty-one participants had tooth replacements (nine had removable dentures). Sixteen had ≤10 present teeth, 13 perceived dry mouth and seven were unemployed. Persons with ≤10 present teeth had higher anxiety- and depression-scores than those having >10 present teeth. Unemployment, dry mouth and removable dentures indicated poor health-related- and oral health related QoL. Compared to a normative sample; the study group had significantly poorer mental health (MH)-related QoL, mean (SD); (51.1(8.2) versus 46.8(9.3), p < .001) and more anxiety, mean (SD); (4.5(3.1) versus 6.7(3.6), p < .001). ED signs and treatments were most important for psychological distress and MH related QoL (MCS), whereas demographic parameters were most important for the other QoL measures. Conclusions: The psychological burden of oligodontia is significant, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach by caregivers

Dental implants in individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta: a 6-year follow-up study

Aim The aim of the present study was to follow‐up our previous prospective study that reported high implant survival in a group of Norwegian individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta. Our hypothesis was that implant treatment in these persons has approximately the same long‐term survival rate as in healthy individuals. Study group The previous study included seven participants (20 implants), four of them (11 implants) took part in the present study and the other three had died. The participants were followed up for an average of 93 months, subsequent to prosthetic loading. The implants were clinically and radiographically examined. Objective and subjective evaluations were recorded using an analogue scale ranging from 0 as the worst to 10 as the best score. A mean of these evaluations is presented as the subjective and objective overall satisfaction. In the previous study, no implants were lost and 1 mm bone loss was recorded around two implants. One implant was removed after 76 months due to an implant neck fracture. At the present study, four implants showed 1 mm bone loss, two of which had the same level of bone loss in the previous study. Four millimetre bone loss was observed around two other implants. No bone loss was detected around the remaining four implants. Objective and subjective evaluation of implant treatment showed an overall high satisfaction of 9.1 and 9.9 respectively. Conclusion The findings showed an implant survival rate of 91% (100%, excluding the implant neck fracture) and high recipient satisfaction towards implant treatment

Experiences of daily life and oral rehabilitation in oligodontia - a qualitative study.

Objective: Quantitative research indicate increased anxiety and poorer mental health related quality of life (QoL) in individuals with oligodontia (congenitally absence of six or more teeth). The aim of this qualitative study was to complement and explore the individuals’ experiences of life and oral rehabilitation, hopefully improving the care for these patients. Material and methods: Twelve participants (6 females, 6 males, aged 21-48) with oligodontia and experiences of comprehensive dental treatments, consented to participate in a semi-structured interview. The questions in the interview guide were based on previous research and clinical experience and included both open (i.e. how is your life?) and specific questions (i.e. do health care personnel know enough about your condition?). The interview transcripts were coded and analysed using a phenomenological method of analysis. The Regional Ethics Committee approved the study. Results: The following themes grew out of the data; “feeling of being different”, “the burden of treatment”, “shared decision-making”, “treatment increases self-esteem” and “use of coping strategies”. Psychological distress and reduced QoL seemed to be related to negative aspects of the themes, which covered unacceptable aesthetics, reduced orofacial function, the long-term process of oral rehabilitation, and negative experiences with healthcare services. The informants used problem focused and emotionally focused strategies to meet these challenges. Finalizing oral rehabilitation and shared decision making were positive aspects of the themes. Conclusion: All themes expressed by the participants were of importance for experienced QoL and psychological distress, and should be acknowledged by health care personnel when planning and performing treatment

Associations between ectodermal dysplasia, psychological distress and quality of life in a group of adults with oligodontia

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess demographics, self-reported signs of ectodermal dysplasia (problems with hair, nails, skin and sweat glands), present teeth, previous dental treatment, psychological distress and QoL in individuals with oligodontia, and to explore the associations between these factors. We also aimed to compare the level of psychological distress and QoL between the study group and normative samples. Methods: Forty-seven individuals with oligodontia registered at a resource centre in Norway were included in the study. The participants completed self-administered questionnaires on demographics, ED signs, dental treatments, psychological distress and QoL (overall, health-related- and oral health-related QoL). Relevant statistics (independent t-test, correlation analysis and hierarchical multiple regressions) were used. Results: Thirty-five participants reported ED signs. Forty-one participants had tooth replacements (nine had removable dentures). Sixteen had ≤10 present teeth, 13 perceived dry mouth and seven were unemployed. Persons with ≤10 present teeth had higher anxiety- and depression-scores than those having >10 present teeth. Unemployment, dry mouth and removable dentures indicated poor health-related- and oral health related QoL. Compared to a normative sample; the study group had significantly poorer mental health (MH)-related QoL, mean (SD); (51.1(8.2) versus 46.8(9.3), p < .001) and more anxiety, mean (SD); (4.5(3.1) versus 6.7(3.6), p < .001). ED signs and treatments were most important for psychological distress and MH related QoL (MCS), whereas demographic parameters were most important for the other QoL measures. Conclusions: The psychological burden of oligodontia is significant, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach by caregivers