Supernumerary Teeth in the Childhood

Abstract

Introduction: The occurrence of the supernumerary teeth in the patient's dentition is relatively frequent abnormality, which refers to the teeth formation above the normal number. The supernumerary teeth formation can be part of a complex genetic syndromic disorder or deals with "random" presence, which usually requires certain familiar predisposition. Mesiodens can cause many complications (most often of an orthodontic character - such as permanent teeth retention, anomalous position etc.). The diagnosis is, in the most cases, stated during physical or x-ray (CT) examination. During the therapy, the most essential issue, is the timing of the procedure, which is almost always extraction of this particular supernumerary tooth. Materials and methods: In the period of 2010-2012 altogether 61 patients with supernumerary teeth were ambulatory treated in the Department of Stomatology 2nd Medical Faculty Charles University in Prague and Faculty Hospital Motol. Results: The ratio of boys and girls with supernumerary teeth amounted to 4:1 in the favour of boys. The treatment was most frequently done within 9-11 years (mean 9.7 years). In 88% of cases one supernumerary tooth was present, 66% of teeth being unerupted. In 10% of cases two and in one case even three supernumerary teeth were present. The mesiodens in the upper frontal segment was the most common (83%). The procedures had been executed preferentially in the local anaesthesia, but with regard to the patient's age and ability to cooperate, 17 treatments had to be done in the ambulatory general anaesthesia. Conclusion: The incidence of supernumerary teeth belongs to the most frequent dental anomalies. Complications mostly do not occur and cases are relatively easy to solve. Early diagnosis, setting appropriate term and the mesiodens removal technique are crucial. In some cases a consequential orthodontic therapy is necessary.

Keywords

• supernumerary tooth
• mesiodens
• extraction
• surgical extraction