Teeth agenesis evaluation in an Italian sample of complete unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate patients

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and the distribution of teeth agenesis inside and outside the cleft area in an Italian population with a non-syndromic unilateral (UCLP) and bilateral (BCLP) cleft lip and palate. METHODS: Two hundred thirty-three digital panoramic radiographs (151 females, 82 males) of patients between seven and fifteen years old were recruited from the maxillo-facial surgery clinic of the San Bortolo Hospital of Vicenza according with the following inclusion criteria: unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and palate, no other syndromes, no previous orthodontic treatment, no previous teeth extractions and good quality of digital panoramic radiographs. Statistical analyses were carried using Chi-squared test (P value < 0.05). RESULTS: One hundred sixty subjects out of 233 (68.67%) presented with agenesis of at least 1 missing permanent tooth. The prevalence of hypodontia is significantly more frequent in BCLP patients than UCLP ones with a total of 153 missing teeth (51.34%). The most frequent missing tooth is the lateral incisor in the upper left side (37.6%) followed by the lateral incisor in the upper right side (29.2%), the upper second premolars, the upper central incisors and the upper canine. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first that evaluates the prevalence and distribution of hypodontia in an Italian population with cleft lip and palate. The higher congenital absence of dental elements in this group than healthy general patients is an important aspect to consider for a functional and aesthetic oral rehabilitation.