Tooth Agenesis
Congenital absence of one or more teeth that never develop.
Tooth agenesis is the congenital absence of teeth — they simply never form. It's one of the most common dental developmental anomalies. Hypodontia (1-5 missing teeth, excluding wisdom teeth) affects 3-8% of the population. Oligodontia (6+ missing teeth) is rarer at about 0.1%. Anodontia (complete absence) is extremely rare. The most commonly missing teeth are wisdom teeth (20% of people), followed by lower second premolars, upper lateral incisors, and upper second premolars. Agenesis can be isolated or part of syndromes (ectodermal dysplasia). Treatment options depend on location and number: orthodontic space closure, resin-bonded bridges, dental implants (after growth completion), or removable prosthetics. For children, space management and planning for definitive treatment in adulthood is key.