Congenitally Missing Tooth

A congenitally missing tooth is one of the most common dental developmental abnormalities. Congenitally missing teeth, or hypodontia is a condition whereby permanent teeth never form. This condition can occur with any of the 32 teeth. Congenitally missing teeth can also be genetically sensitive. This means that the trait can be passed down from one or the other parent. Congenitally missing teeth or hypodontia is a condition where some of the adult teeth do not develop. Although it can also affect the primary teeth, this is quite rare, unless there is an underlying genetic disorder. Third molars (wisdom teeth) are the most commonly missing but are not included in the definition of hypodontia. This is because it is considered a variation of normal to have missing wisdom teeth. The other most commonly missing teeth are lower second premolars and the upper lateral incisors.