Supernumerary Teeth

Supernumerary Teeth – Hyperdontia

Hyperdontia is the condition of having supernumerary teeth, or teeth which appear in addition to the regular number of teeth.

Types
The most common supernumerary tooth is a mesiodens, which is a mal-formed, peg-like tooth that occurs between the maxillary central incisors.  Additional premolar teeth are quite common. Fourth and fifth molars that form behind the third molars are another kind of supernumerary teeth.

Causes
There is evidence of hereditary factors along with some evidence of environmental factors leading to this condition. Many supernumerary teeth never erupt, but they may delay eruption of nearby teeth or cause other dental problems. Molar-type extra teeth are the rarest form. Dental X-rays are often used to diagnose Hyperdontia.

Treatment
Patients are referred to a Maxillo-facial surgeon or an orthodontist to assess the necessity of removal of extra teeth.

Delayed eruption of the upper right central incisal

Supernumerary tooth visible on x-ray