Hyperdontia in children is a rare condition in which extra teeth grow in the mouth. Usually, children have 20 deciduous teeth (primary teeth) by 30 months, while adults have 32 permanent teeth by the age of 17. As children grow, the primary teeth are gradually replaced by permanent teeth. Some children may get extra teeth on the upper or lower jaw, called supernumerary teeth. Depending on when they get, these can be permanent or primary (1). Hyperdontia is a developmental problem, and there is a 3.8% incidence rate in children (2) (3). The incidence rate is twice as frequent in boys as in girls. Keep reading this post to know the causes, types, and effects of hyperdontia in children.

Types Of Hyperdontia

Supernumerary teeth can be classified on the basis of their shape and location (4) (5). The following is the classification based on the shape.

Conical: This tooth is small and peg-shaped (wider base and narrower top) with normal roots.

Tuberculate: This tooth is barrel-shaped and has a rudimentary root. It often occurs in pairs.

Supplemental (eumorphic): This can be described as duplication of a tooth. The supplementary tooth is similar to the tooth near it.

Odontome: This tooth has no defined or regular shape. It appears more like a disorganized and diffused mass of dental tissue.

The following are the types of extra supernumerary teeth based on location.

Mesiodens: The supplementary tooth is located between two central incisors. It is the most common type of supplementary tooth.

Paramolar: The supplementary molar or extra tooth grows buccally or palatally (towards the back of the mouth) to one of the molars.

Distomolar: The tooth grows posterior or distal (behind) the third molar.

Parapremolar: The extra tooth grows in the premolar region.

The extra teeth can appear as a single tooth, as well as multiple teeth. However, multiple supplementary teeth are rarely seen and are mostly associated with conditions such as cleft lip or palate and Gardner syndrome (1).

Symptoms Of Hyperdontia In Children

The main symptom is the growth of extra tooth or teeth near a primary or permanent tooth. Your child might even complain about an extra tooth in the mouth. A doctor can determine the type of supernumerary teeth by examining the location and morphology (shape) of the extra tooth or teeth.

Causes Of Hyperdontia In Children

The causes of hyperdontia are not well understood. However, the condition has been associated with factors including genetic conditions, familial tendency, and overactive dental lamina (the part that initiates tooth formation) (1) (4) (6).

How Is Hyperdontia Diagnosed?

Supernumerary teeth are detected through X-ray and examination of the mouth. Healthcare practitioners may also thoroughly evaluate family and medical history, along with clinical examination (5). The presence of supernumerary teeth can be suspected if there is no eruption of permanent teeth (5).

Treatment Of Hyperdontia In Children

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are necessary to avoid complications in the case of hyperdontia. The treatment options may vary depending on the location and type of supernumerary teeth and its effect on the neighboring teeth or tissues. Treatment options include (5).

There is a complication associated with it. There is a delay in the eruption of a permanent tooth. There is an increased risk of infection since extra teeth may make it difficult to maintain oral hygiene. There is misalignment, displacement, or rotation of a neighboring tooth. Extra teeth cause aesthetic (appearance) or functional issues.

Complications Associated With Hyperdontia In Children

Complications of supernumerary teeth include (1) (2) (6).

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