What are we talking about?
Supernumerary teeth are those that come out extra. In other words, they exceed in number the considered normal or logical for a human dentition. They are often found fortuitously when a person is subjected to a clinical or radiological examination. They lack of malignant symptomatology. Usually they are the specular image of the normal tooth that should occupy this situation in the oral cavity.
Even today, the causes of their appearance are not well known. It is believed to be due to a hyperactivity of the basal dental lamina or by a division of a tooth germ. The only truth is that they follow a hereditary pattern, being more predominant in the female sex with respect to the male.
Let’s talk about data.
90% of the supernumerary teeth occur in the upper maxilla, with the Antero-superior predominance in the middle of the central or lateral incisors, followed by the premolar zones.
This characteristic is given in a population range of 2.5%, causing alterations in the eruptive process. It leaves teeth inside or retained due to the inability to erupt, as they act as a mechanical lock to the logical eruption. Occasionally, the supernumerary tooth can make its appearance in the mouth, although it is the least number of cases. It is usually only 25%, as long as its eruptive trajectory is not compromised. As a result, dental crowding disorders are created. The reason is that, in the bone arch, there can be limited or insufficient space to house the tooth itself and the supernumerary.
The treatment to follow is very simple and goes through the extraction and elimination of the supernumerary tooth. This occurs once the doctor has adequately assessed the situation through clinical and radiological examination.
There is no exact stage, so to speak, to execute this deletion. These findings are casual and vary greatly in the age range in which they are diagnosed. It is usually expected in a prudent age, around 12 years old, to avoid damage to adjacent dental germs. If the presence of this has been diagnosed early, the exception is to advance this extraction. It may be because the tooth is causing alterations in the eruptive sequence, root resorptions, cysts or severe crowding.
If you suspect that your child or yourself may be in this situation, come to any of our SJD Dentistas clinics. We will make an assessment and act on the situation if necessary. Our professionals will be happy to help you.