Supernumerary Teeth
Extra teeth beyond the normal dental formula that may cause complications.
Supernumerary teeth are extra teeth that develop in addition to the normal 20 primary or 32 permanent teeth. They occur in 1-4% of the population, more commonly in males (2:1 ratio) and in the permanent dentition. The most common type is mesiodens — a supernumerary tooth between the upper central incisors, accounting for 80% of cases. Supernumerary teeth can cause delayed eruption of normal teeth, crowding, root resorption of adjacent teeth, cyst formation, and diastema (spacing). Diagnosis is often made via panoramic X-ray when routine teeth fail to erupt. Treatment involves extraction of the supernumerary tooth, often followed by orthodontic treatment to align the affected teeth. Timing depends on whether the supernumerary tooth is blocking eruption of a permanent tooth.