Globally, hyperdontia affects between one and four percent of the population, with the majority of instances involving only one tooth. A child is meant to have twenty primary teeth when they are young, and later, thirty-two permanent teeth as an adult. However, children may be born with an extra tooth.
Primary teeth erupt in your child’s mouth around the age of 36 months. They are shed by the age of 12 years old. Permanent teeth gradually replace primary teeth and are normally fully erupted by the time your child reaches the age of 21.
The Extra Tooth May Want Extra Room
Hyperdontia can be defined as the development of more than 20 primary teeth or more than 32 two permanent adult teeth, with the extra teeth usually referred to as the supernumerary teeth.
Hyperdontia can affect either one or both sides of the mouth or just the front teeth. These supernumerary teeth can grow in between or against a baby or permanent teeth at the front or back of your mouth. They may be positioned in such a way that permanent teeth fail to erupt properly from the jaw.
No Need to Panic
Having extra teeth is rare. Sometimes this problem goes unnoticed, and the presence of an additional tooth (or two) isn’t discovered until the person undergoes an oral checkup with x-rays.
If you discover this problem, a dentist will help you with options if you are having any pain or problems caused by the extra tooth. They may alternatively recommend doing nothing but checking in with you on your 6-month visits to ensure you aren’t experiencing any pain or problems with chewing, etc..
Forms of Hyperdontia
There are four different forms of supernumerary teeth:
- Conical, which are like pegs or candy corn in the shape
- Tuberculate, in which an extra grows in the gumline, usually not in line with the others.
- Extra tooth forms next to natural teeth
The Common Causes of Hyperdontia
When children develop two rows of teeth, it’s because their baby teeth and permanent teeth are both present at the same time. This occurs when their permanent teeth erupt in a way that does not force the baby teeth out.
In seeking a solution to this problem, while the exact cause of hyperdontia is unknown, it is thought to have a genetic origin. Patients with extra teeth are more likely to have diseases including Gardner syndrome, Ehler-Danlos syndrome, Cleidocranial dysplasia, or cleft palate.
Symptoms, And Effects Of Hyperdontia
Extra teeth can emerge from any point where teeth and the jawbone meet, which is referred to as the dental arches. The extra teeth are not usually fully formed. The term used when this happens is referred to as supplementary teeth.
The teeth are frequently underdeveloped. They can be wider at the bottom and narrower at the top to appear sharp (conical) or tube-shaped (tuberculate). Some teeth are made up of multiple little fragments of tooth tissue growing in a cluster. Other times, they aren’t entirely one tooth (compound odontoma). Bits of tooth tissue can grow intermittently in complex odontoma.
What is the most effective treatment for hyperdontia?
The treatment of this supplemental tooth is very dependent on the circumstances that lead to the development of hyperdontia. Keep in mind that the treatment approach recommended by your doctor will differ, depending on the potential problem created by the extra teeth, as well as the type of extra teeth you possess.
Dental Group of Simi Valley Will Restore Your Healthy Smile!
For optimal oral health, visit us every six months 
to maintain your beautiful and healthy smile. We will provide you and your family with exceptional dental care. Dental Group of Simi Valley offers comprehensive dental care, including these services:
- Oral Diagnosis
- Comprehensive Treatment Planning
- Preventative Care
- Composite Fillings
- Root Canal Treatment
- Porcelain Crowns
- Bridges and Crowns
- Restoration
- Periodontal Care
- TMJ/TMD Treatments
We accept all PPO’s and various private insurance. Call us for more information about the type of insurance plans we can accept. Also, visit our Dental Education Center to learn all about oral health and how to take care of your teeth and gums. Contact us at Dental Group of Simi Valley in Simi Valley, CA to book an appointment today!
