11 Apr 2023 Hyperdontia is a medical condition when way too many teeth grow in your mouth. This condition is also called Supernumerary teeth. The additional teeth usually grow right behind or very close to your usual primary or permanent teeth.
What is Hyperdontia?
Hyperdontia is a medical condition that leads to the growth and generation of way too many teeth inside the mouth. These are also called supernumerary teeth. These teeth tend to pop up from anywhere in the curved areas, where teeth attach themselves to the jaw. These places are also referred to as dental arches.
The first 20 teeth that develop when you were a child are known as the set of primary or deciduous teeth. The 32 adult teeth that take their place in the future, is called a set of permanent teeth. You might have an additional number of primary or permanent teeth owing to hyperdontis, but cases with extra primary teeth are more commonly found.
What are the symptoms of Hyperdontia?
The primary sign and symptom of hyperdontia is the growth of additional teeth exactly behind or very close to the usual primary or permanent set of teeth. These teeth are generally found in adults. Men are twice as likely to struggle with hyperdontia than women.
Additional teeth are classified based on their shape or location in the mouth.
The Shapes of extra teeth include:
Supplemental.
The tooth is almost similarly shaped to the type of tooth that it grows up close.
Tuberculate.The tooth has a tube or barrel-like structure.
Compound odontoma
The tooth happens to be made up of umpteen smaller tooth-like structures that grow very close to each other.
Complex odontoma.
Instead of a single tooth, an area or a structure comprising tooth-like tissue grows in a disordered cluster-like formation.
Conical, or peg-shaped.
The tooth has a flat and wide base and a narrow pointy top, making it appear sharp.
Locations of extra teeth include:
Paramolar.
An additional tooth sneakily grows towards the back of your mouth, next to or really close to the molars.
Distomolar.
An additional tooth develops and grows in the same line with your other molars, rather than around them.
Mesiodens.
An additional tooth grows around or behind the incisors, the four flat and big teeth located at the front of the mouth, primarily used for biting. This is one of the most common categories of additional teeth among people struggling with Hyperdontia.
Hyperdontia is not usually painful. Having said that, an additional tooth or teeth might exert some additional pressure on the jaws and the gums, often leading them to swell or become sensitive and painful. Overcrowding caused by Hyperdontia might also make your permanent teeth appear crooked.
What causes Hyperdontia?
The exact reason behind the causation of Hyperdontia is not yet conclusively known, it is likely to be associated with multiple hereditary conditions including:
Gardner’s syndrome.
A rare genetic disorder that causes skin cysts, skull growths, and colon growths.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
It is an inherited medical condition that causes loose joints to easily dislocate, bruises skin like that of a peach, scoliosis, and painful muscles and joints.
Fabry disease.
This syndrome causes an inability to sweat, painful hands and feet, a red or blue skin rash, and abdominal pain.
Cleft palate and lip.
These birth anomalies are known to cause an opening in the roof of the mouth or upper lip, which causes trouble eating or speaking, and even ear infections.
Cleidocranial dysplasia.
This condition causes anomalies in the development of the skull and collarbone.
How is Hyperdontia diagnosed?
Diagnosing Hyperdontia is no rocket science and can be easily detected if the extra teeth have already started to show up. Even if they have not started being visible, they will still be detectable during your regular dental x-ray. Your dental health expert might also require a CT scan to get a better look at the insides of your mouth, jaws, and teeth.
How is Hyperdontia treated?
Most cases of hyperdontia don’t usually require any medical treatment. However, some cases do require special medical attention or the surgical extraction of the extra tooth or teeth. Your dental health expert is most likely to recommend the extraction of the additional tooth or teeth if you,
- Have an underlying genetic condition causing the extra teeth to appear
- Can’t chew properly or your extra teeth cut your mouth when you chew
- Feel pain or discomfort due to overcrowding
- Have a hard time properly brushing your teeth or flossing because of the extra teeth, which could lead to decay or gum disease
- Feel uncomfortable or self-conscious about the way your extra teeth look
If the extra teeth are starting to affect your dental hygiene or other teeth — like delaying the eruption of permanent teeth — it’s best to remove them as soon as possible. This will help avoid any lasting effects, such as gum disease or crooked teeth.
If the extra teeth only cause you mild discomfort, your dentist may recommend taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain.
Are there any complications related to Hyperdontia?
The extra teeth can cause mild to severe complications. Some examples are – overcrowding and decay. Additionally, if the tooth tissue is left behind, it can mutate into a cyst or tumour. Complications related to Hyperdontia include:
- Gap between teeth
- Overcrowding or crooked teeth
- Delayed eruption of permanent teeth
- Pain and inflammation
- Infections, such as gingivitis
- Impaction of permanent incisors
- Abnormal root formation
- Cystic lesions form around the teeth
If you come across or happen to notice extra teeth that are not in the same line with the surrounding teeth, or is causing you unnecessary discomfort, try checking with your dentist.
Living with Hyperdontia
Most people with hyperdontia don’t usually require any additional medical attention. Some people however need to get their extra teeth removed to avoid further inconveniences. Do check with your doctor if your condition leads to swelling gums, pain, or discomfort in your mouth.