Hyperdontia is a condition where many teeth grow in the mouth; those extra teeth are called supernumerary teeth. In hyperdontia, extra teeth can come out anywhere in those curved areas called dental arches, where teeth are attached to the jaw. In your childhood stage, 20 teeth grow, called primary teeth. Then these teeth are replaced by 32 adult teeth known as permanent teeth. But sometimes extra teeth also increase, and that is very common.

Symptoms

The primary symptom is the development of extra teeth either behind or very close to the primary teeth. These extra teeth usually appear during adulthood and more in men than women. In general, hyperdontia is not painful, but in some cases, those extra teeth put some pressure on the jaw and gums, making them very painful and swollen. Sometimes overcrowding because of hyperdontia gives a crooked look to your permanent teeth.

Based on the shape of the extra teeth and their location, they are categorized:

Different forms of extra teeth include

• Supplemental: The shape of this tooth is the same as the kind of tooth that grows near it.
• Compound odontoma: This tooth consists of various tiny, tooth-like growths close to each other.
• Conical or peg-shaped: The tooth's shape is comprehensive towards the base and narrow towards the top, making it look very sharp.
• Tuberculate: This tooth has a shape the same as tube or barrel-like.

Extra teeth categories based on location

• Paramolar: an extra tooth that grows at the back of your mouth, positioned just next to the molars.
• Mesiodens: The extra tooth grows either behind or nearby incisors. This is the most commonly occurring kind of extra tooth in hyperdontia.
• Distomolar: This tooth grows along with other molars instead of around them.

Cause of hyperdontia

What exactly causes hyperdontia is still not known; however, most likely, it is associated with varied hereditary conditions like

• Gardner's syndrome is an uncommon genetic disorder that leads to skin cysts, colon growths, and skull growths.
• Ehlers – Danlos syndrome: It's an inherited condition that leads to loose joints, dislocating easily, skin bruises, painful joints and muscles, along with scoliosis.
• Cleidocranial dysplasia: This condition leads to unusual developments of collarbone and skull
• Cleft palate and lips: These are the congenital disabilities that lead to the opening of the roof of your mouth and upper lip, thereby causing trouble eating and speaking, along with ear infections.
• Fabry disease: It's a syndrome that makes a person unable to sweat, causes red or blue rashes on the skin, painful feet and hands, and abdominal pain.

Diagnosis 

It's elementary to diagnose the extra teeth that are grown fully. But if it is not grown fully, they will show up during routine dental x-ray. Your dentist might also do a CT scan to get a detailed view of your mouth, teeth, and jaw.

Treatment of hyperdontia

While the maximum case of hyperdontia does not require treatment, others need the removal of the extra teeth. Your dentist will also suggest the removal of extra teeth.

• Some genetic condition that causes the extra teeth to appear
• You cannot chew properly, and the other teeth can cut your mouth while chewing
• Feeling pain or discomfort because of overcrowding
• When it's hard to brush or floss appropriately due to extra teeth, that results in tooth decay or gum diseases
• Feeling uncomfortable because of the look due to extra teeth
• If, because of the different teeth, your dental hygiene or any other teeth is getting affected, such as delays in primary teeth eruption, then it's best to remove them. This assists in avoiding long-lasting effects due to crooked teeth or another kind of gum disease.
• If the extra teeth are causing any mild discomfort, then your dentist might recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen for pain.

Many people prefer to live with hyperdontia and do not require any treatment. Tell your dentist about pain, swelling, discomfort, or any problems in your mouth caused by hyperdontia. It is vital to go for routine dental inspections. A dentist can know about hyperdontia while doing routine X-rays and checkups.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis always results in better outcomes for people suffering from hyperdontia. A dentist can diagnose these issues as young as two years old. After the removal of the extra tooth, the discomfort stops. But if nearby teeth are crooked or are affected, additional dental and other orthodontic works are required to resolve the issue. 

Hyperdontia includes extra teeth. Even though the exact cause is unclear, it can illustrate specific genetic conditions. Hyperdontia causes minor complications, and doctors often suggest removing the extra tooth. Anyone having apprehensions about oral health must contact a dentist. MyDentalPlan.in is a platform with many dentists you can consult for oral health.

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About the Author:

Suprithi Choudhary, M.Pharm (Pharmacology) Medical Content writer

Suprithi is a Pharma Professional working as a medical content writer and previously worked as a Research Scientist and Senior Research Analyst

Education

• C.M Academy
• Attended the Panjab University- Chandigarh, Pharma post-graduate in Pharmacology

Special thanks to Dr Deepak Kulkarni, a dental surgeon with over 23 years of experience who proofread this blog. He graduated from the H.K.E's Dental College, Gulbarga, and has certifications in ACHS International Accreditation Education Plan; Advanced Rotary Endodontic - Restorative Continuum; and Leadership, Team Building and Customer Service Leadership from the Oscar Murphy International.