Tooth agenesis: from molecular genetics to molecular dentistry

J Dent Res. 2008 Jul;87(7):617-23. doi: 10.1177/154405910808700715.

Abstract

Tooth agenesis may originate from either genetic or environmental factors. Genetically determined hypodontic disorders appear as isolated features or as part of a syndrome. Msx1, Pax9, and Axin2 are involved in non-syndromic hypodontia, while genes such as Shh, Pitx2, Irf6, and p63 are considered to participate in syndromic genetic disorders, which include tooth agenesis. In dentistry, artificial tooth implants represent a common solution to tooth loss problems; however, molecular dentistry offers promising solutions for the future. In this paper, the genetic and molecular bases of non-syndromic and syndromic hypodontia are reviewed, and the advantages and disadvantages of tissue engineering in the clinical treatment of tooth agenesis are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anodontia / complications
  • Anodontia / genetics*
  • Anodontia / therapy
  • Dentistry / trends
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Mouth Abnormalities / complications
  • Mouth Abnormalities / genetics
  • Odontogenesis / genetics*
  • Syndrome
  • Tissue Engineering / trends*
  • Tooth Germ / physiology