Craniosynostosis: Oral manifestations and multidisciplinary management

Abstract

Introduction: Craniosynostosis is considered the second most common craniofacial disorder after orofacial clefts. Objective: To analyze the literature on syndromic and non-syndromic craniosynostosis, its oral manifestations, and the interdisciplinary management required for this condition. Methodology: The search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar using the terms “syndromic craniosynostosis”, “non-syndromic craniosynostosis”, “oral manifestations”, “medical management”, “psychosocial management”, “dental management" combined with the Boolean operators or and and. Results: Craniosynostosis is a congenital craniofacial disorder characterized by premature fusion of cranial sutures, which may be syndromic or non-syndromic. Patients with craniosynostosis, especially those with the syndromic variant, face unique challenges in oral health and craniofacial growth that go beyond routine oral care needs. The management of these patients requires a multidisciplinary and personalized approach to address the unique dental and craniofacial needs of each individual. Conclusions: Pediatric dental management of patients with craniosynostosis should be personalized and multidisciplinary, involving various specialists to provide appropriate and timely treatment.