Supernumerary Teeth Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Supernumerary teeth or better known as excess teeth are additional teeth that are not supposed to grow. As a result, the number of teeth formed in the jaw is greater than the normal number.
Supernumerary teeth can cause overcrowding of the teeth. Not infrequently this condition can actually inhibit the growth of the teeth next to it.
Supernumerary teeth are more common in permanent teeth than milk teeth. Patients with this dental disorder have a 30-50% chance of experiencing the same thing on their permanent teeth.
Symptoms
Symptoms of supernumerary teeth can be seen from the shape of the teeth that resemble a cone. In addition, sufferers of this dental disorder usually have many protruding teeth (tuberculate) or irregular rows of teeth (odontome). However, supernumerary teeth can have the same shape as normal teeth, which resemble incisors, canines, or molars.
Excess teeth are more common in the maxilla than the jaw. These supernumerary teeth can form in various parts of the jaw, namely in the area of the upper front incisors (also called mesiodens), next to the molars (also called Premolars), at the very back of the last molar teeth (also called distomolars), or next to the molars. premolars (also called parapremolars).
The most common supernumerary teeth are mesiodens. This disorder is more common in permanent teeth than milk teeth.
Reason
The cause of supernumerary teeth is still not known with certainty. One of the many theories put forward is the existence of a dichotomy in the tooth germ. Another theory predicts that supernumerary teeth are influenced by genetic factors.
Supernumerary teeth can also be part of certain diseases or syndromes. For example cleft lip and palate (cleft lip and palate), Gardner’s syndrome, and cleidocranial dysplasia.
Diagnosis
Determining the diagnosis of supernumerary teeth or extra teeth can be done through clinical examination. However, sometimes cases of dental abnormalities require dental or panoramic radiographic examinations. The goal is to ensure that the number of teeth does exceed the normal number.
Treatment
Treatment of supernumerary teeth will be carried out by a dentist depending on the severity of the disorder. Usually, the common action is in the form of an extra tooth extraction procedure. In some cases, a surgical procedure can also be performed.