Dental Defect
By Dr. Linda Niessen -- Baylor College of Dentistry STORY: DENTAL DEFECT SCRIPT #537 SHOOT: 11/12, 12/9/03 AIRDATE: Monday, Dec. 22, 2003 DHC Master #18 timecode: 47:35 For more information: National Federation for Ecotodermal Dysplasias 618-566-2020 P.O. Box 114 Mascoutah, IL 62258 Website lists all E-D research studies involving genetics, dental implants and other areas. Dr. Brian Collins 7777 Forest Lane, Suite C-626 Dallas, TX (Medical City Hospital building) 972-566-6383
Monday, December 22, 2003
A new test identifies genes that cause a serious birth defect. The defect occurs in one out of 14-hundred (1400) births and can have a devastating effect on teeth. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at the dental problems of this disorder in this week's Dental Health Check.
No trip to the dental office has ever been routine for Ryan Allen. He was born with ecotodermal dysplasia or E-D. It's a genetic disorder that affects the ectodermal layer of cells in the body. In most E-D patients, they do not have normal sweat glands, hair, or teeth. Ryan has only seven natural teeth.
"I don't think kids think about teeth unless, occasionally, someone loses one in class. So I don't think they realize how it could affect you if you don't have teeth, how it can change your life," said Ryan. New research isolated the genes that cause the disorder.
Now, parents can choose to undergo genetic testing. Other research studies the use of dental implants in children with E-D. For now, Ryan wears upper and lower partial dentures.
"And once he has implants in there when he is finished growing, then that will provide a nice solid permanent fit for a denture to go in and out," says Dr. Brian Collins, Ryan's pediatric dentist. "It's a congenital defect. As far as genetic counseling, it's accurate now for parents who are planning families."
A new pamphlet by the National Federation for Ectodermal dysplasia gives families valuable information about oral health care.
Dentures and dental implants are no longer just for adults. These dental treatments can restore the smiles of children with ectodermal dysplasia as soon as possible. For Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M System, I'm Dr. Linda Niessen, Channel 8 News.
Dr. Linda Niessen, clinical professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences and the Office of Communications and Development at Baylor College of Dentistry, hosts Dental Health Check, the only weekly dental feature shot on location in the nation.
