Supernumerary Teeth – Literature Review

Introduction and objective Hyperdontia is a developmental anomaly characterised by an increased number of dental buds. It is condition with a prevalence of 0.3 -1.8% in primary dentition and 1.5–3.9% in permanent dentition. The abnormality occurs more often in the jaw, in anterior region and in permanent dentition. This study aimed to review current literature and present the aetiology, prevalence, diagnosis, treatment options and complications of supernumerary teeth. State of knowledge Supernumerary teeth can be divided according to different criteria: by structure, tooth shape, location and number of additional teeth. The most common supernumerary tooth is mesiodens, which is an additional tooth located between the central incisors of the jaw. The aetiology of formation of supernumerary teeth is not yet fully known. At present, the most probable hypothesis for the development of hyperdontia is the hyperactivity of dental lamina. Supernumerary teeth may cause aesthetic and functional problems like delayed eruption, alterations in the eruptive pattern, shift in the midline, dental crowding, pathology in adjacent teeth, problems with correct occlusion. These problems are the most common reason for patients to report to their dentist. When an supernumerary tooth does not cause any troubles or aesthetic disorders, its detection is usually accidental during the X-rays examination. Treatment depends on the specific clinical situation. Making a diagnosis and developing an appropriate treatment plan often requires cooperation of many specialists. Conclusions Supernumerary teeth may cause aesthetic deformities and functional impediments, therefore early diagnosis and interdisciplinary intervention are important to minimize consequences to the developing dentition