Hypodontia
Pronunciation: hy-po-DON-tee-uh
The congenital absence of one to five teeth (excluding third molars) from either the primary or permanent dentition.
Full Definition
Hypodontia is a developmental anomaly defined by the absence of between one and five teeth, not including third molars, due to failure of tooth germ formation. It is the most common developmental dental anomaly and may occur in isolation or as part of systemic syndromes, including ectodermal dysplasia or Down syndrome. Editors must distinguish hypodontia from the more severe oligodontia (absence of six or more teeth, excluding third molars) and anodontia (complete absence of all teeth). Third molars are conventionally excluded from the tooth count when applying these definitions. The adjective form is 'hypodontia-associated' when used attributively.
Usage
Usage note: Third molars are excluded from tooth counts when classifying hypodontia, oligodontia, and anodontia. Confirm the count in any manuscript before accepting the author's classification.
In Context
- "Hypodontia affecting the upper lateral incisors was noted bilaterally, a finding consistent with the patient's family history." — Clinical assessment report
- "The draft incorrectly described the absence of seven teeth as 'hypodontia'; this was queried as 'oligodontia' by the copy-editor." — Manuscript editing note