WHAT IS HYPERDONTIA?

May 27, 2023 3 min read

What Is Hyperdontia?

Hyperdontia can be described as a condition that can cause too many teeth to expand inside your mouth. These additional teeth are often known as supernumerary teeth. They may grow in any of the curved places that connect your teeth to the jaw. 

There are two sets of teeth throughout your life. As a young person, you'll have 20 baby teeth or primary ones. The teeth are lost, while 32 adults, also known as permanent teeth, replace these. However, some individuals have greater than 32 teeth. This is referred to as hypodontia.

 

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF HYPERDONTIA?

Hyperdontia could be caused by the environment or genes. Sometimes it is not clear What is the cause of hyperdontia?

The presence of extra teeth could be a sign of genetic disorder or syndromes such as:

  • Gardner's Syndrome. This rare disorder can also cause benign growths to appear in different areas as well as increases the risk of colon cancer.
  • Cleidocranial Dysplasia. This disorder also results in the formation of abnormal bones inside the skull as well as in the collar area.
  • Lip Cleft and Palate. These congenital abnormalities are caused by the fact that a newborn's mouth or lip does not develop properly within the uterus.
  • The Fabry Disease. This involves an insufficiency of the enzyme known as alpha-galactosidase. It can affect many areas, such as the skin, teeth as well as the nervous system.
  • Ellis Van Creveld Syndrome. Another rare disorder that causes limbs to be short and small-sized, as well as extra fingers and toes. The condition can also be caused by the heart developing abnormalities that are congenital.
  • Trichorhinophalangeal Syndrome. This leads to bone and joint malformations, distinctive facial features, and abnormalities of the skin, hair, and teeth.

Certain genetic conditions can create supernumerary dental teeth. 

 

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF HYPERDONTIA?

If you are suffering from hyperdontia, which requires dentist attention. These extra teeth can result in pain and discomfort and can affect chewing, which could eventually cause other oral health problems, for example:

  • Displaced teeth lead to blockage of your primary teeth.
  • There is a tendency for pressure to build up inside your teeth. 
  • The formation of tumors and cysts comes out of hyperdontia
  • The presence of multiple teeth could cause malocclusions or problems regarding your bite, alignment as well as jaw posture.
  • The more teeth there are the greater the chance of gum and tooth infection as well as decay and periodontal gum disease.
  • Speech impairments and facial deformities are conceivable in extreme cases. 

Discover More About:What Is a Crossbite? Types, Causes, And Treatment.

 

HOW IS HYPERDONTIA TREATED?

Some cases of hyperdontia don't require treatment, and some require the removal of those extra teeth. The dentist may advise you to remove the additional teeth in the following situations:

  • Have a genetic disorder that causes additional teeth to form.
  • If you're not chewing properly, the extra teeth you have will cut your mouth when you chew.
  • Suffering from the sensation of discomfort or pain because of the overcrowding
  • Have trouble effectively brushing your teeth and flossing due to the added teeth that can lead to tooth decay or gum diseases.
  • Feel self-conscious or uncomfortable over the way that your supplementary teeth appear.

If your extra teeth are beginning to negatively impact the health of your mouth or teeth, like causing a delay in the growth of permanent teeth, you should remove them whenever you can. It will prevent any long-term effects like tooth crooked or gum disease.

 

Faqs

At what age do hyperdontia teeth occur?

Hyperdontia occurs at any age; however, most cases arise during childhood or adolescence as permanent teeth are developing.

How many teeth is too many?

Hyperdontia refers to having more teeth than usual - than is considered necessary in adult dentition, with 32 teeth being considered normal adult dentition.

Is it normal to grow extra teeth?

No. Hyperdontia, also known as extra teeth growth, should never be considered normal. It usually results from genetic factors or dental anomalies during tooth development that affects tooth development processes.

What happens if you grow an extra tooth?

An extra tooth may lead to serious dental complications, including overcrowding, misalignment, and even impact. As such, extraction or orthodontic treatment might be required in order to address further dental problems and restore alignment properly.


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