Ectodermal Dysplasia Specialist

What are ectodermal dysplasias?

Ectodermal dysplasias are a group of 150 inherited genetic disorders that impair the development of the organs of the skin, hair, nails, sweat glands, and teeth. Children are born with ectodermal dysplasias, but signs and symptoms aren’t always apparent at birth, and getting the correct diagnosis can be difficult.

Dr. Mahallati at the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry specializes in the dental care needs of children with the rare genetic condition. Oral characteristics of ectodermal dysplasias may include:

• Missing primary and/or adult teeth
• Malformed teeth
• Abnormal tooth eruption
• An abnormal tooth-loss sequence
• Widely spaced teeth
• Cavity-prone teeth
• Undeveloped ridges in the gum area
• Abnormal tooth growth patterns.

Due to growth and tooth eruption abnormalities, it’s recommended that dental treatment begin when an ectodermal dysplasia in the oral area is first diagnosed. Dental treatment, including tooth replacement, can usually begin at about 3 years of age.

What are the benefits of tooth replacement?

A dental prosthesis and/or tooth replacement is very helpful for the progressive development of speech and facial growth in a young child. It also helps maintain healthy self-esteem, preventing psychological complications throughout your child’s maturation.

What treatment is necessary for ectodermal dysplasias?

A young ectodermal dysplasia patient often requires several stages of treatment. This is due to the:

• Growing and changing child
• Unusual growth patterns
• Missing boney ridges in the gum area and dental structures

This treatment is best served by Prosthotontist and Periodontist specialists, trained experts that specialize in determining the proper dental treatment sequence for patients with ectodermal dysplasias.

The Southern California Ectodermal Dysplasia Dental Center (SCEDDC), in affiliation with the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias, is a specialized dental treatment center led by Dr. Mahallati; a Prosthodontist; and Alexandre Aalam, DDS, a Periodontist, whose combined advanced education, experience and technique specifically serve patients with ectodermal dysplasias in the oral cavity and that require complex dental treatment from early childhood (beginning at age 4) throughout adulthood.

For expert dental care for ectodermal dysplasias, call the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry today or request an appointment online.