Supernumerary Teeth – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Did you know a healthy adult mouth typically has 32 permanent teeth? However, in some cases, a person may have more than 32 teeth. These extra teeth, called supernumerary teeth or hyperdontia, can lead to issues like crowding, discomfort, or other dental problems. Let’s take a closer look at what supernumerary teeth are, their symptoms, causes, and how they can be treated.

What are supernumerary teeth?

Supernumerary teeth are extra teeth that grow alongside the normal set of teeth. These can appear in both adults and children. For children aged 6 to 12, dentists can determine during their routine exams if any extra teeth are developing as the baby teeth transition to adult teeth.

Types of Supernumerary Teeth

Supernumerary teeth are classified based on their location in the mouth and their shape. Here’s a simple breakdown:

By Location:

• Mesiodens:The most common type, is found behind the upper front teeth. Often causes gaps or misalignment.
• Paramolars:Found near the molars, either towards the tongue or the cheek.
• Distomolars: Grow behind the molar teeth

By Shape:

• Supplemental: The most common type, is found behind the upper front teeth. Often causes gaps or misalignment.
• Conical:Found near the molars, either towards the tongue or the cheek.
• Tuberculate: Grow behind the molar teeth
• Odontoma: Irregularly shaped, resembling a mass or cluster.

Symptoms of Supernumerary Teeth

How can you tell if you might have supernumerary teeth? Here are the most common signs:

• Extra teeth: You may notice an extra tooth, often in unusual places like the middle of your upper front teeth.
• Crowding or poor oral hygiene: Extra teeth can make brushing and flossing difficult, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Odd shapes: These teeth may look like small pegs, cones, or barrels, and sometimes resemble normal teeth.
• Pain or swelling: Impacted (hidden) supernumerary teeth may cause swelling or discomfort in the jaw.

What Causes Supernumerary Teeth?

There’s no single cause of supernumerary teeth, but here are some common factors:

• Genetics: A family history of extra teeth may play a role
• Conditions like cleft lip or palate: Certain syndromes are associated with supernumerary teeth.
• Overactive dental tissue: The dental lamina, which helps teeth develop, can sometimes form extra teeth.

Supernumerary Teeth Treatment

Your dentist can usually spot extra teeth during a routine exam. If the teeth haven’t erupted yet, X-rays or a CT scan can reveal their presence. It’s important to diagnose early to avoid complications like misalignment or crowding.

How Are They Treated?

The treatment for supernumerary teeth depends on the individual case. Here are the most common options:

• Tooth extraction: If the extra tooth causes crowding or doesn’t erupt, a dentist may recommend removing it, which can be done surgically. It is important to note that not all supernumerary teeth need extraction.
• Orthodontic Treatment:For cases where the extra teeth have caused misalignment, braces or aligners may be needed to straighten the teeth.
• Regular Dental Check-Ups:Early detection in children can prevent problems before they worsen.

Final Thoughts:

Supernumerary teeth are extra teeth that require immediate attention. Aesthetic correction, dental filling, aligner/orthodontic treatment, and extraction are the choices of treatment as per the condition. For children, regular dental checkups are required to know such conditions.