What are Supernumerary Teeth?
Also known as hyperdontia, supernumerary teeth are extra teeth that appear in addition to your usual permanent teeth, or on top of the usual amount of baby teeth in children. They often grow near to the other teeth, but in some cases they can appear in other places in the mouth. Typically, supernumerary teeth are smaller than normal teeth and more abnormal in shape.
Supernumerary teeth, also known as hyperdontia, are extra teeth that develop in addition to the normal dentition. These teeth can appear in any part of the mouth and can be either single or multiple.
Supernumerary teeth can develop in various locations within the oral cavity, including the maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw). They can also develop in different positions, such as behind the regular teeth or in front of them, or they may be impacted and not fully emerge.
Supernumerary teeth can be identified through dental examinations, including dental x-rays, which can detect their presence and location. In some cases, supernumerary teeth may cause dental problems, such as malocclusion, crowding, or impaction, and require treatment, such as extraction or orthodontic intervention.
The prevalence of supernumerary teeth varies in different populations, but it is estimated that approximately 1-4% of the population have supernumerary teeth.
The condition is more common in males than females and is often associated with certain genetic disorders such as Gardner syndrome and cleidocranial dysplasia. However, extra teeth can simply be just a coincidental finding.
At Tracey Bell clinics, we are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of supernumerary teeth. We provide bespoke advice and care. If your extra tooth is causing pain, problems with eating or making brushing your teeth difficult, we will likely recommend an extraction is the best course of action.
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