What are Supernumerary Teeth?

It’s simple - they are extra teeth! Many scholarly articles call this hyperdontia. Again, hyper-  (more than usual), -dontia (having to do with teeth) = more teeth!

Let’s discuss the symptoms and causes of supernumerary teeth. We’ll get to the “root” of what causes this abnormality and how and when we treat the condition.

Hyperdontia - The Medical Term for Extra Teeth

In the typical human mouth, children have 20 primary baby teeth, then 32 permanent teeth that replace them. In someone’s mouth that has supernumerary teeth, this can be any number of extra teeth. Some people have an extra single tooth, and others may have multiple supernumerary teeth. 

Supernumerary teeth in an adult with all their permanent teeth are twice as likely to happen in males than females. The chance of having supernumerary permanent teeth is greater in Asian, Native American, and indigenous populations. Extra tooth development in primary teeth is less prevalent than in permanent teeth. 

Classification of Supernumerary Teeth

Dentists diagnose hyperdontia and classify teeth by their location and shape. An extra tooth may grow in or along any part of the dental arches. Usually, the extra tooth causes no discomfort, but if it starts putting pressure on nearby teeth, it can begin causing pain. 

The shape of the teeth may be classified as: 

• Supplemental - extra teeth that may have the same characteristics and appearance as a nearby tooth. 
• Rudimentary - extra teeth with an abnormal shape and are smaller than the teeth around them. 
  • Conical - narrow top but broad-based teeth that have a normal root
  • Tuberculate - barrel-like shape or tube-shaped teeth that have abnormal roots. These teeth don’t usually break through the gum but can cause a delayed eruption of the central incisors.

The location of the teeth also contributes to their classification:

• Mesiodens - An extra tooth growing between the two central incisors (the two flat teeth at the front) of the upper jaw. The incisor region is the most common area for additional teeth. 
• Distomolar - An extra tooth that grows behind the molars, the large, flat teeth at the back of the mouth.
• Paramolar - An additional tooth that grows next to the molars and is out of line with the regular teeth.

What Are the Causes of Supernumerary Teeth?

Environmental and genetic factors can cause supernumerary teeth in pediatric patients. Many times, these extra teeth are simply due to a genetic quirk, with no associated health issues. However, multiple supernumerary teeth (more than one extra tooth) are often associated with a disease or a genetic syndrome. 

Here are some of the most common genetic factors that can lead to supernumerary teeth:

• Gardner’s syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes colon growths or polyps to form. Abdominal pain is associated with this disease and can also cause extra teeth to grow in the mouth. 
• Cleidocranial dysplasia occurs when teeth and bones are formed differently and may be more fragile. Your child will usually have unerupted supernumerary teeth with this condition.
• Cleft lip and palate are openings in the upper lip and the top or roof of the mouth (palate). These disorders may result from an underlying genetic condition. Still, the exact cause is unknown. 

There are many other causes of supernumerary teeth, but Gardner’s syndrome, cleidocranial dysplasia, and cleft lip and palate cause the most common dental anomalies involving extra teeth. 

Complications of Supernumerary Teeth

Most supernumerary teeth happen within the maxillary incisors (upper front teeth) area and can delay or impair the eruption of permanent teeth. If your child’s supernumerary teeth erupt, they can cause normal dentition to become impacted, or the teeth may appear outside the dental arch. The adjacent teeth can become crowded, or your kiddo may have crooked teeth. 

Other problems may include: 

• Issues with chewing food
• Difficulty brushing or flossing
• Tooth decay
• Malocclusion (bad bite)
• Gum disease
• Fusion of supernumerary teeth to permanent teeth
• Spaces between teeth close prematurely
• Oral cysts or abscesses

These complications may come from a single supernumerary tooth or multiple extra teeth. All disrupt the regular teeth and dental tissue. 

How Do We Treat Supernumerary Teeth?

Sometimes, we watch their growth and delay any intervention if they are not causing pain or any of the complications or risk factors listed above.  

Treatment is sometimes necessary to keep your child’s teeth aligned and prevent their baby or permanent teeth from becoming an issue later in life. We may need to remove the supernumerary tooth or other adjacent tooth to make room for the permanent dentition or prevent tooth impaction. 

Orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct the alignment of the 32 permanent teeth. Sometimes, a dental implant may be required to save space for a permanent tooth.

Conclusion

Supernumerary teeth – aka extra teeth, or hyperdontia – is something Dr. Culp and our team at Jungle Roots are experienced in identifying and treating. 

If identified, we are happy to answer any questions and educate you and your child about it. You’ll understand the risks and possible treatments necessary to alleviate any discomfort or interference that the supernumerary tooth may cause. You can count on us to answer all of your questions and concerns. 

It’s our privilege to help your children enjoy optimal dental health, and we look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!