ECTODERMAL DYSPLASIA AND PERIODONTIUM: A FIRST ATTEMPT TO IDENTIFY TYPICAL FEATURES

Aim: Ectodermal Dysplasia (ED) represents a vast and heterogeneous group of rare genetic disorders inducing anomalous development of two or more structures of ectodermal origin. No description of the periodontal anatomy in ED-affected people is reported in the literature. This study aims to clinically analyze periodontal anatomy in young adults affected by ED. Methods: Dental and periodontal parameters (plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, bleeding on probing, and tooth mobility) were collected on 11 individuals affected by ED. After that, all subjects underwent a session of professional oral hygiene, which included specific motivational instructions. The biometric parameters were re-evaluated after 7-10 days, and standardized analysis of the periodontal phenotype thickness was carried out using specific chromatic probes (Colorvue® Biotype Probes, HuFriedy). Results: All biometric parameters underwent a statistically significant improvement, functional to the following periodontal analysis. A strong prevalence of thin phenotype was recorded: 105 sites out of the 114 examined. A peculiar feature of the keratinized tissue was identified, a very smooth surface with vessels in transparency and particular laxity of the gingival margin are just some of the observed characteristics. Conclusions: Based on the etiopathogenesis of ED and therefore of the embryogenetic process of oral tissues, the results obtained seem to confirm a characteristic feature of the periodontal complex. Future investigations supported by specific histological considerations are strongly recommended.