An additional tooth found inside your mouth probably catches your attention because it seems like an unexpected stranger within your dental structure.
People with hyperdontia develop more teeth than average, known as supernumerary teeth, which are common among the population.
However, the additional teeth appearing throughout your mouth may not result in problems but treatment could be needed in specific cases. This post examines hyperdontia through its definition alongside discussions about different types of supernumerary teeth. We will also discuss their origins and responses to frequent inquiries.
What is Hyperdontia?
Someone affected by hyperdontia has an abnormal number of teeth compared to the average dental count. Supernumerary teeth comprise the supplementary dental teeth which exceed the normal count. The extra teeth in mouth emerge within both the upper jaw and lower jaw in most age groups of patients.
People frequently get to know about their extra teeth through dental X-ray examinations because they mostly remain unnoticed in other situations. Additional teeth occasionally show outside the mouth, where they might squeeze adjacent teeth while creating pain for the patient.
The other common names of this are:
- Hyperdontia
- Supernumerary teeth
- Extra teeth
Types of Supernumerary Teeth
Two different approaches exist to organize supernumerary teeth classification categories. The most popular supernumerary tooth categories depend on their shape and placement.
Based on Shape
Conical Teeth (Peg-shaped):
The most minimal type of supernumerary teeth displays conical characteristics which form specifically between upper front teeth.
Tuberculate Teeth:
Tuberculate teeth have barrel shapes and sometimes contain more than one elevated point. Supernumerary teeth take longer to appear, and they have the capability to interfere with neighboring permanent teeth when they break out.
Supplemental Teeth:
Supplemental teeth appear as standard teeth with normal tooth shape and usually exist at dental arch ends. A fourth molar tooth matches exactly the features of your third molar.
Odontoma:
The growth presents the shape of small pieces of tooth structure. A medical professional classifies this growth as a tumor with benign features of dental tissue composition.
Based on Position
Mesiodens:
An extra tooth between the upper two front teeth. The mesiodens’ appearance represents the most frequently reported supernumerary teeth within the mouth.
Distomolar (Fourth Molar):
Such tooth structures develop in the space behind the wisdom teeth.
Paramolar:
Such teeth are extra tooth structures which develop adjacent to the molars.
Perapremolar:
Such abnormalities can be discovered near premolar regions.
What Causes Hyperdontia?
The hyperdontia causes cannot be determined all the time; however, specialists hypothesize that disturbance in the early development of teeth is the root of the issue. Most especially during the initiation phase of tooth formation.
In this stage of development, the mouth commences to develop tooth buds – a group of cells that develop into teeth. This implies that if extra tooth buds are stimulated, the formation of supernumerary teeth may occur.
Here are some of the causes that can be easily known:
1. Genetics (Family History)
It has been found that one of the reasons associated with hyperdontia is heredity. In case you have somebody in your family who has had extra teeth in the mouth, you are likely to develop them too. It has also been identified that some individuals might be hereditarily likely to how their teeth erupt, grow, or meld abnormally.
Research has also found a conviction that hyperdontia affects the male gender more than the females. Since it can be inherited, the person who gets it often suffers from it more frequently than others, suggesting genetically inherited characteristics.
2. Developmental Disorders and Syndromes
Another syndrome may also accompany Hyperdontia or may be inherited genetically. Hyperdontia may be the only sign of this status, among others. At the same time, it is necessary to note that, for some patients, the presence of supernumerary teeth may be accompanied by other symptoms.
Some of the conditions that are characterized by hyperdontia include the following:
Cleidocranial Dysplasia:
It refers to a condition that results from mutation in genes that are responsible for the formation of bones and teeth. Patients who have this condition experience delayed shedding of their baby teeth, incomplete formation of the clavicles, and the presence of more teeth than normal in the jaws.
Gardner Syndrome:
A disorder associated with colon polyps as well as tumors. In addition to the above symptoms, people with Gardner’s may also have features of extra teeth, and noncancerous tumors.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome:
They are a group of hereditary disorders that lead to the weakness of the body’s connective tissues. Other signs of the softness of these joints, skin, and gums include poorly attached teeth and extra teeth.
Down Syndrome and Cleft Lip/Palate:
These diseases also lead to the formation of extra teeth since the development of the face and teeth is affected.
Besides these causes, another cause is Congenital abnormalities. In this the baby’s upper or lower jaw or gums are affected. They may be caused by some factors, like trauma or some form of infection during pregnancy or soon after birth, which affects the development of the tooth bud.
FAQs
Is hyperdontia dangerous?
Not always. The problem may lead to teeth crowding together and delayed permanent teeth appearance, while also causing irritations to the jaw bones if patients do not seek proper treatment.
Can braces fix hyperdontia?
The removal of an extra tooth becomes possible after braces straighten teeth; however, braces cannot help correct the extra tooth on its own.
Why is there an extra tooth growing in my gum?
The presence of supernumerary teeth exists because of genetic factors and a number of other issues. The dentist will confirm the condition by taking an X-ray.
What is the difference between supernumerary and supplemental teeth?
The name supernumerary describes all additional teeth. A supplemental tooth belongs to the supernumerary category, which appears as a typical tooth structure.
Conclusion
Extra teeth in the mouth, known as supernumerary teeth or hyperdontia, affect people of all ages. A dentist should check the extra tooth because ongoing discomfort, crowding, or dental issues would require professional attention.
A correct diagnosis with proper treatment ensures a healthy, continued smile brightness.
Need help with Dental Health Care?
SmileOn provides expert dental services, diagnosis, and suitable treatment methods designed specifically for every patient. Our dedicated team provides professional assistance for all patients facing tooth and gum conditions.
You can book a consultation at SmileOn to achieve a brighter looking smile now.
Dentists specialize in various branches to offer a wider range of oral health services. In a nutshell, various dental health Read more
White spots on teeth are a common dental problem and many people lose their confidence to smile due to this. Read more
Oral Orthopedics treatment doesn't stop when dental braces are removed, although it is the ultimate goal of many patients. Remembering Read more
A healthy smile has double benefits as it presents both physical attractiveness and overall wellness. However, several dental issues exist Read more