What Happens If You Have Extra Teeth?

Hyperdontia is when you have a supernumerary tooth. This means you have more than the usual number of teeth. This can happen when a baby tooth or a permanent tooth doesn't fall out as it should.

What Causes Extra Teeth?

There are multiple reasons a person may have extra teeth, including genetics and certain syndromes. However, the most common cause is overcrowding of the mouth. When the jaw is too small to accommodate all of the teeth, they may become impacted and not grow into the mouth properly. Other causes include injuries to the face or jaws that change the way the teeth grow, such as cleft palates, which can push several teeth forward in the mouth and leave more teeth behind. This may be caused by the mother consuming alcohol during pregnancy. Rarely, extra teeth are caused by tumors that form on the gums or inside the jawbones. These oral tumors can push teeth and extra bone into the mouth, where they cannot be removed naturally by the body. This can cause pain and infection. Usually, these growths are benign and can be surgically removed.

If you have extra teeth, it is best to have them removed as soon as possible to prevent other issues from occurring. If you are an adult with hypodontia, do not be afraid to speak with your dentist about removing additional teeth. Adult teeth are permanent and are more difficult to extract than baby teeth. Your dentist will be able to discuss your options with you and help determine which treatment is best for you. If your child has extra teeth, your dentist may recommend removing the teeth as soon as they erupt from the gums so that they do not become impacted. In some cases, no treatment may be necessary as the teeth may fall out on their own during adolescence. You can contact our dental office today to schedule your consultation!

Hyperdontia Treatments

Patients with extra teeth or "hyperdontia" can be treated with orthodontics like braces or Invisalign, oral surgery, etc. The extra targeted teeth are then removed, and the teeth that are remaining are carefully aligned to create a nice-looking smile.

Whether a patient uses orthodontic therapy or opts for an extraction, a skilled dentist can design a smile that not only looks good but functions properly as well. Additionally, a dentist will educate patients with hyperdontia on how to keep their smile healthy for many years to come!