Did you recently go to the dentist for a checkup, only to find out that you have extra Supernumerary Teeth in your mouth?
No, not an extra one. Extra teeth, in plural.
Supernumerary tooth numbering is a common occurrence and many people are completely unaware that they have them. Also known as baby teeth, these supernumerary teeth can cause a slew of potential health problems, from speech impediments to overgrown arches, if not treated.
Read on to learn about your treatment options when you are suffering from an overabundance of teeth.
Causes of Supernumerary Teeth
The exact cause of supernumerary teeth isn’t fully clear yet. However, experts believe it’s mostly due to genetics. In simple terms, if your parents or grandparents had extra teeth, there’s a chance you might too.
Sometimes, certain health conditions or syndromes can also lead to extra teeth. For example, Gardner’s syndrome or Ehler-Danlos syndrome often comes with additional teeth.
It’s important to remember, that not everyone with these conditions will have extra teeth. And not everyone with extra teeth has these conditions. It’s just one possibility among many.
Types of Supernumerary Teeth
Supernumerary teeth can manifest in various forms. They can appear as a single extra tooth or in multiples. The most common types include:
Mesiodens
Mesiodens is a common type of extra tooth found between two central incisors, the two teeth at the front of your mouth. They often look like small, pointy pegs and can cause crowding or misaligned teeth. It’s crucial to remove them for a healthy smile.
Paramolar and Distomolar
Paramolars and distomolars pop up behind your normal molars. Paramolars are usually small and found near upper molars.
Distomolars, on the other hand, are extra third molars. They can cause pain and crowd your mouth, so dentists often remove them.
Effects and Complications
The presence of supernumerary teeth can lead to several complications. They may cause crowding, misalignment, or rotation of existing teeth, resulting in an uneven bite.
Additionally, they can impede the eruption of permanent teeth, leading to further dental issues. In some cases, these extra teeth may remain impacted, causing discomfort, pain, or cyst formation in the oral cavity.
Treatment Options for Supernumerary Tooth Numbering
When it comes to dealing with supernumerary teeth, there are several paths to take. Let’s explore the most common solutions that dentists recommend for reducing discomfort and improving your oral health.
Extraction
Extraction is a common treatment for supernumerary teeth. For a tooth in roof of mouth extraction, dentists use special tools. This helps to avoid crowding and improve your bite.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is another option. This can align your teeth properly, even with the extras. Braces or retainers can help guide your double teeth into the right places.
Surgical Intervention
In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be needed. This usually happens with wisdom teeth coming in and causing issues. Surgeons remove these extra teeth under anesthesia to relieve pain and prevent future dental problems.
Regular Monitoring
Regular dental check-ups help spot supernumerary teeth early. Dentists can track their progress and take action if problems arise. It’s simple: maintaining your dental health can prevent bigger issues!
Schedule a Dental Check-up Today
Supernumerary tooth numbering is not unusual, and it’s important to know we have many ways to treat it. Whether it’s extraction, braces, surgery, or just regular checkups, you can keep your smile healthy!
So, don’t worry if you have extra teeth. Your dentist knows how to take care of them!
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