Children develop 20 teeth. As youngsters get older, the 20 primary teeth fall out and are replaced by 32 adult teeth. Some people, though, grow extra, unwanted teeth. This condition is called hyperdontia, and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the dental specialist to turn to if you have supernumerary (extra) teeth.
Choosing a superior oral surgeon is crucial for maintaining optimal health. The office of Harmony Dental Implants & Oral Surgery is uniquely qualified to remedy a wide range of issues that encompass the jaw, mouth, cheekbones, teeth and soft tissues.
Individuals who have hyperdontia might have a precondition such as a cleft palate or Gardner syndrome. About 30 percent of those with the latter have dental abnormalities that can include one or more supernumerary teeth. Supernumerary teeth usually appear in the front of the upper jaw. Some look like nearby teeth, while others look quite dissimilar.
These extra teeth become problems when they’re in awkward positions and can’t penetrate the gum. And if they can penetrate the gum, they’re often unattractive. Left unattended, teeth stuck under the gum can prevent nearby “normal” teeth from erupting. Even worse, buried supernumerary teeth might shove other teeth out of position, damage the roots of neighboring teeth or create cysts.
The removal method for supernumerary teeth depends on their location. If they’ve broken through the gums, it involves a simple extraction. If not — and if the teeth are covered by a thin layer of bone — it’s a bit more involved. The oral surgeon lifts back the gum, takes away the layer of bone and removes the tooth. After the extraction, the gum is stitched back into place using dissolvable stitches, and the bone heals at the removal site.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hyperdontia and Extra Teeth
What is hyperdontia?
Hyperdontia is the dental term for having one or more extra teeth beyond the usual 20 primary teeth or 32 adult teeth. These extra teeth, known as supernumerary teeth, most commonly develop in the front of the upper jaw and may resemble the teeth next to them or look quite different.
What causes a person to develop extra teeth?
The exact cause of hyperdontia isn’t always clear, but it can be linked to an underlying condition such as a cleft palate or Gardner syndrome. Supernumerary teeth, along with other dental abnormalities like impacted teeth, occur in about 30 percent of people with Gardner syndrome.
What problems can extra teeth cause if they’re left untreated?
Extra teeth stuck in awkward positions under the gum can block nearby “normal” teeth from erupting the way they should. A buried supernumerary tooth can also push neighboring teeth out of alignment, damage their roots, or lead to the formation of a cyst.
How does an oral surgeon remove a supernumerary tooth?
The approach depends on where the extra tooth is located. If it has already broken through the gums, removal is typically a simple extraction. If it’s still covered by a thin layer of bone, the oral surgeon lifts back the gum tissue, removes the covering bone, extracts the tooth, and closes the site with dissolvable stitches so the bone can heal.
When should I see an oral surgeon about extra teeth?
If you or your child have an extra tooth, crowding, a tooth that hasn’t erupted on schedule, or jaw discomfort, it’s worth having an oral and maxillofacial surgeon take a look. Evaluating the issue early can help prevent complications such as impaction, misalignment, or cyst formation.
The office of Harmony Dental Implants & Oral Surgery thoroughly understands our patients’ needs. Our expertise, which encompasses the intricate network of bones, muscles and nerves that contribute to facial function, allows us to provide tailored treatment plans that cater to your specific requirements. Please call us today to make an appointment.