Supernumerary Teeth
In this section, we will cover:
- What is a supernumerary tooth?
- How is it caused?
- How is it diagnosed?
- How can it affect me?
- What are the treatment options?
What is a supernumerary tooth?
A supernumerary tooth is simply an extra tooth. Sometimes they look the same as a normal tooth (these are called "supplemental teeth") but often they look completely different.
About 6% of people have extra teeth.
They are commonly found in the top jaw, often between the two front teeth (these are called "mesiodens") - but they can be found anywhere in the top or bottom jaw.
Occasionally, supernumerary teeth will erupt (i.e. come through the gum) but they may also remain hidden under the gum. If these teeth remain hidden under the gum, they can sometimes cause problems such as stopping a normal tooth from erupting, damaging the roots of nearby teeth and forming a cyst.
How is it caused?
As with missing teeth (hypodontia), we don't know the cause. But we do know that they are often associated with rare genetic syndromes such as cleidocranial dysplasia and familial adenomatous polyposis, amongst others.
How is it diagnosed?
Dental check up:
If the supernumerary tooth has erupted into the mouth, your dentist will notice this at your normal check up. You may also notice it yourself - this is often the case with extra teeth at the front of the mouth.
Dental xrays:
Some supernumerary teeth stop the normal adult teeth from erupting. If the adult teeth don't erupt as expected, your dentist will take an xray of the area. This will show any extra teeth which may be hiding under the gum.
How can it affect me?
crowding - not enough space
aesthetics
impede eruption
cyst
damage roots
What are the treatment options?
leave and monitor
extract - normal or surgical