Examination of the Pattern of Hypodontia in Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Patients

Tooth agenesis or hypodontia is a major problem that may occur in any person in any area of the mouth. However, it is of greater significance in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) because of their susceptibility to various problems. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of tooth agenesis in both jaws among patients with CLP.

In this descriptive analytical study, a total of 150 unilateral CLP and 30 bilateral CLP patients (age range, 4-19 years) were randomly selected, and their panoramic radiographs were examined. The collected data were analyzed using Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test, Fisher’s exact test, and logistic regression analysis.

The results of Chi-square test revealed that the prevalence of tooth agenesis was significantly higher in unilateral CLP patients compared to their bilateral CLP counterparts (P=0.039). The maxillary lateral incisors (26%), followed by right maxillary first premolars (20%), accounted for the highest number of hypodontia. The results of Mann-Whitney test did not indicate any significant differences in the number of hypodontia between unilateral and bilateral CLP patients (P=0.158).

The frequency of tooth agenesis in the evaluated CLP population of Isfahan (Isfahan Province, Iran) was similar to that of other populations around the world. According to the present findings, unilateral CLP was more frequent than bilateral CLP, and left-sided CLP was more frequent than right-sided CLP and bilateral CLP.