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Hyperdontia

Overview

Hyperdontia refers to the presence of extra or supernumerary teeth. People with this condition may have one or many extra teeth, which may be visible or hidden (impacted), on one or both the jaws. Anyone can have hyperdontia, given that it affects both primary (baby) and permanent (adult) teeth.

Although the exact underlying causes of hyperdontia remain unclear, several factors that can may cause this condition have been identified:

  • Hyperactivity of the cells in the dental lamina (the cells responsible for tooth development)
  • Certain health conditions associated with hyperdontia, such as cleft lip and cleft palate, cleidocranial dysplasia, Fabry disease, Gardner syndrome, Down syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
  • Atavism, i.e., the reappearance of an ancestral genetic trait. It is possible that our ancestors needed extra teeth to grind raw nuts and plants in their primitive diet.

The hallmark of hyperdontia is the presence of one or more extra teeth. Although this condition does not cause discomfort in most cases, the following symptoms may appear if the extra teeth put excessive pressure on the jaws or gums:

  • Pain, swelling, and/or tenderness in the gums and/or jaws
  • Overcrowding of teeth
  • Tooth infection

Depending on where the extra teeth are present, the following symptoms may also be noted:

  • Tooth impaction (the partial or complete trapping of a tooth within the jawbone).
  • Overcrowding of teeth
  • Crooked teeth
  • Difficulties with biting and chewing
  • Malocclusion (a bad bite)
  • Cavity formation, i.e., tooth decay
  • Gum disease
  • Formation of noncancerous oral cysts

Hyperdontia is often diagnosed during a routine examination. Dentists run X-ray or CT scans to ascertain the presence of impacted supernumerary teeth.

If supernumerary teeth are detected, the dentists examine whether they are causing any issues.

Timely diagnosis and treatment can greatly help reduce the risk of any long-term complications.

Although treatment for hyperdontia is not always needed, if the extra teeth interfere with the functioning and health of the oral cavity, removing them is advised. Dentists often recommend a tooth extraction under the following conditions: 

  • Pain or discomfort
  • Difficulty in chewing, eating, brushing, or flossing
  • The extra teeth make the patient conscious
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