Tooth formation in patients with oligodontia.

Oligodontia is defined as the congenital absence of many teeth. The aim of the present study was to evaluate tooth formation in patients with oligodontia who were missing six or more teeth. The oligodontia sample was compared to a control group matched for race, sex and age. Calcification stages of the teeth of the left side of the mandible were rated. Patients with oligodontia showed a tendency for delayed tooth formation. Significant differences in tooth formation were found between males with oligodontia and the control group for several stages of tooth formation. In females only stage 5 of the second mandibular molar showed a significant difference. Because of the great individual variation in tooth formation in patients with oligodontia, tooth formation in patients with oligodontia should be individually examined before starting treatment.