Hyperdontia
Having more than the typical number of teeth can be embarrassing, especially for children, and uncomfortable. Hyperdontia is a condition in which extra teeth are present in the mouth, most commonly around the incisors, but they can also be present around the molars or premolars. Hyperdontia not only causes cosmetic concerns that can be seriously distressing but can also cause complications with the functionality of your or your child’s smile and oral health.
Our dental team with Prime Time Dentistry in Frisco is committed to providing the best solutions and outcomes to improve the appearance of your child’s smile and oral health. If you are dealing with extra teeth, call Prime Time Dentistry today at 945-207-7463 to schedule an appointment.
What is hyperdontia?
Hyperdontia means “extra teeth.” The average child should have 20 baby teeth and 32 permanent teeth. Any extra teeth, also called supernumerary teeth, indicate hypodontia.
The most common form of hyperdontia involves a single tooth, but you can have multiple extra teeth. Because the root system for these extra teeth frequently lacks a well-defined structure, any extra teeth are often misshapen or the wrong size.
How common is hyperdontia?
Dentists diagnose more than 200,000 cases every year! It is more likely for hyperdontia to occur during the growth of your child’s permanent teeth, but it is also possible to occur during the development of baby teeth. Interestingly, hyperdontia is twice as likely in men than in women.
What causes hyperdontia?
Although research has yet to indicate an exact cause for hyperdontia, genetics and environmental factors play a role in the formation of extra teeth. Hyperdontia is more common in individuals with an underlying genetic condition that affects the development of other tissues or bones. Some of the genetic disorders that link to hyperdontia include:
- Gardner’s syndrome
- Cleidocranial dysplasia
- Cleft palate and lip
- Down Syndrome
- Ehlers-Danlos syndroms
Hyperdontia frequently occurs independently of any condition. It is unlikely that hyperdontia will be the first symptom of a genetic disorder.
How is hyperdontia diagnosed?
If the tooth has erupted from the gum line, then a simple oral examination may be all that’s needed to diagnose the condition. Your child may need an X-ray or cone beam CT scan for impacted teeth to diagnose any extra teeth.
If your child has an underlying genetic condition known to increase the likelihood of hyperdontia, regular checkups and examinations become even more critical to locate any extra teeth as early as possible to reduce the possibility of complications.
Why treat hyperdontia?
Your jaw can accommodate a certain number of teeth. When you have more teeth than your jaw can accommodate, you can end up experiencing oral health concerns. Such concerns include infection from impaction, cyst formation, damage to surrounding teeth, soft tissue damage, and tooth decay.
The primary treatment for hyperdontia involves the extraction of extra teeth. Because extra teeth can cause serious oral health concerns, it is essential to monitor any extra teeth for their impact on your oral health. Tooth extraction provides several benefits, including:
- Improve the appearance of your child’s smile
- Reduce the chances of overcrowding and crooked teeth
- Improve bite and functions such as chewing and speaking
- Reduce the likelihood of soft-tissue injuries due to extra teeth
- Make oral hygiene simpler by allowing easier flossing and brushing
- Reducing the probability of extra teeth impacting the growth of permanent teeth
Due to poor root development, extractions of extra teeth are a simple, straightforward, and routine procedure. If you suspect your child may have an extra tooth, our Prime Time Dentistry dental team can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Call 945-207-7463 to schedule an appointment today!
