Treatment for Hyperdontia, or Extra Teeth
At Bell Dental, we provide a comprehensive range of dental treatments to our valued patients, from porcelain veneers and other transformative cosmetic dentistry options to full-mouth makeovers and other restorative dentistry plans. Our cosmetic dentistry options include Invisalign®, the clear alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign® can be used to treat a wide variety of orthodontic issues without the need for uncomfortable, conspicuous wires and brackets.
One of the more common orthodontic issues we encounter at Bell Dental is hyperdontia. Hyperdontia is the clinical term for the condition of having extra teeth that can develop anywhere in the mouth. Dr. Brian Bell and Dr. Justin J. Crocker provide both diagnosis of and treatment for hyperdontia at our Lake Jackson, TX cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry practice.
It is possible that you have hyperdontia and are not even aware of it. This is the case with most people who have extra teeth in their mouths. In most cases, these extra teeth can be detected only through a comprehensive oral exam. We urge you to schedule your oral exam at Bell Dental today.
The Causes of Hyperdontia
The average child has 20 primary teeth, popularly known as “baby teeth.” As children mature, these primary teeth are replaced by the 32 permanent teeth. However, some people develop extra teeth, known as supernumerary teeth. Most people with supernumerary teeth develop them along with their 20 primary teeth, and they simply never erupt. This is why most people are unaware of the fact that they have hyperdontia.
While most cases of hyperdontia involve the development of one or two extra teeth, more severe cases can occur. Indeed, cases of up to 20 supernumerary teeth have been reported.
The exact cause of hyperdontia is not known. However, the condition is believed to be at least partly genetic in nature. The condition is most common among those:
- Who are male
- With Ehler-Danlos, Gardner, or Down syndrome
- With cleft lips
- Who are Chinese or South American
How Is Hyperdontia Treated?
Once hyperdontia has been diagnosed, a treatment plan can be determined. Often, the best treatment is no treatment whatsoever. If only one or two supernumerary teeth are found and they are not causing any oral health problems, our dentists may decide simply to leave them be. There may be greater risk associated with their removal than with leaving them in place. However, if it appears that the supernumerary teeth either are causing oral health problems or are likely to in the future, orthodontic treatment or tooth extraction may be recommended. This may be the case if, for instance, the supernumerary tooth or teeth:
- Are causing bite problems
- Are blocking other teeth from erupting
- Have become impacted
- Have fused with primary teeth
- Are contributing to or increasing the risk of gum disease or tooth decay
- Have resulted in the formation of tumors or cysts
Learn More about the Treatment of Hyperdontia
If you would like to learn more about the treatment of hyperdontia, please contact Bell Dental today.