Hyperdontia, the condition of having extra teeth in the mouth, can be a difficult condition to suffer from, and it often causes individuals to seek treatment to remove the excess teeth.
In most cases, hyperdontia does not cause any oral health concerns, although extra teeth can make functions of the mouth more difficult and cause one to feel self-conscious.
Hyperdontia Information
Many who have the condition of hyperdontia do not seek treatment, as it is not necessary to do so.
However, there are certain times when the extraction of extra teeth that grow as a result of hyperdontia is necessary or simply preferred. By having a better understanding of the condition, including what causes hyperdontia, making a decision on how to deal with it is much easier.
What is hyperdontia?
Hyperdontia is a condition where there is an excess number of teeth that grow in the mouth, which are known as supernumerary teeth.
The average number of teeth for an adult is 32, while in children, it is 20. The adult teeth that grow in after baby teeth fall out are referred to as permanent teeth, while baby teeth are also called primary teeth. People with hyperdontia generally suffer from an excess number of primary teeth, although it is possible to have an excess number of permanent teeth as well.
Hyperdontia causes
The cause of hyperdontia is still unknown. However, there is evidence to suggest that hyperdontia is a genetic condition. There are several hereditary conditions that hyperdontia is strongly linked to, which include:
- Ehlers-danlos syndrome
- Cleft palate and lip
- Cleidocranial dysplasia
- Gardner’s syndrome
With that said, hyperdontia can exist with the absence of any other hereditary condition and often does.
Hyperdontia is believed to affect anywhere from 1 percent to 4 percent of the population, and it is twice as prevalent in men than women.
When hyperdontia requires teeth extraction
Most cases of hyperdontia are minor and do not require any treatment. In some cases, the supernumerary teeth can push up against permanent teeth and cause occasional discomfort and minor pain. In these instances, dentist may recommend pain relief medication.
In more serious situations, hyperdontia may require teeth extraction, or a person with hyperdontia may simply want to have the excess teeth removed for cosmetic reasons.
Most commonly, hyperdontia requires teeth extraction when it causes an inability to chew properly, it becomes hard to brush and floss in a thorough manner or it causes pain and discomfort due to overcrowding.
Life with hyperdontia
Most individuals who have hyperdontia only have one or two extra teeth, and it is often not very noticeable and does not cause any oral or psychological health problems.
However, some people may suffer from mental distress as a result of the hyperdontia, if it causes a serious cosmetic concern, and may choose to have the extra teeth extracted.
Nevertheless, hyperdontia almost never causes severe oral health concerns or problems with mouth function.
Call our Leawood, KS, dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.