Supernumerary Teeth

Supernumerary teeth may be encountered by the general dental practitioner as a chance finding on a radiograph or as the cause of an impacted central incisor. They may also be found intraorally following spontaneous eruption. The most common supernumerary tooth which appears in the maxillary midline is called a mesiodens. Treatment depends on the type and position of the supernumerary tooth and on its effect on adjacent teeth. Supernumerary teeth can appear anywhere in the mouth and are most often found among the permanent teeth. They can occur among baby teeth, but they tend to be harder to identify, as they often erupt normally, are shaped like other teeth, and are in correct alignment. A clinical examination by a dentist or an X-ray usually leads to the diagnosis. Supernumerary teeth usually appear as a single tooth, but sometimes multiple teeth are present, appearing separately or in clusters. In rare cases, as many as 30 supernumerary teeth can be present.