Association of Site-specific Tooth Absence with Severity of Oral Health-related Quality of Life Impacts in Girls Having Nonsyndromic Oligodontia.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this cross-sectional observational investigation was to explore associations of site-specific tooth absences (SSTA, edentate sites resulting from dental agenesis where no primary or permanent teeth exist at the sites of permanent tooth agenesis) with the severity of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) impacts in girls having nonsyndromic oligodontia.

METHODS: Data collected from 22 girls (mean aged 12.0±2.9, standard deviation years) having nonsyndromic oligodontia (mean permanent tooth agenesis equals 11.6±3.6; mean SSTA equals 1.9±2.5) who completed a 17-item short format Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11-14 ) questionnaire were analyzed.

RESULTS: OHRQoL impacts were reported to be "often" or "every day/almost every day" by 63.6 percent of the sample. The mean total CPQ11-14 score was 15.6±9.9. Higher OHRQoL impact scores were associated significantly with having one or more SSTA in the maxillary anterior region.

CONCLUSION: Clinicians should remain attentive to the wellbeing of the child with SSTA, and include the affected child in the treatment planning.