Early Oral Rehabilitation of a Pediatric Patient With Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia: A Case Report from Afghanistan

ABSTRACT Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by abnormal development of ectodermal structures including hair, teeth, nails, and sweat glands. Dental manifestations such as anodontia or hypodontia can significantly impair mastication, speech development, facial esthetics, and psychosocial well‐being, particularly in young children. This case report describes the early oral rehabilitation of a 6 year old male child from Kabul, Afghanistan, clinically diagnosed with HED and presenting with oligodontia, heat intolerance, and characteristic craniofacial features. Clinical and radiographic evaluation confirmed the absence of multiple primary and developing permanent teeth. Considering the patient's young age, ongoing craniofacial growth, underdeveloped alveolar ridges, and limited socioeconomic resources, removable complete dentures were fabricated as an interim prosthetic solution using functional impression techniques. Following prosthetic rehabilitation, the child demonstrated notable improvement in masticatory function, speech clarity, facial appearance, and self‐confidence during follow‐up. This case highlights the importance of early, growth‐adapted, and cost‐effective prosthetic management in pediatric patients with HED, particularly in resource‐limited settings.