Why do some people have too many teeth?
Too many teeth might grow in your mouth due to the disorder known as Hyperdontia. The extra teeth usually grow behind or next to the primary or permanent teeth. Supernumerary teeth are another name for these extra teeth.
What is Hyperdontia?
People will have 20 primary teeth which grow during childhood. When these teeth fall out, 32 permanent teeth replace them. Conversely, some people have more than 32 teeth.
They can develop at any place along the curving edges where your teeth join your jaw. This region is known as dental arches.
Although it usually does not hurt, it can cause problems that lead to pain and swelling.
Types of Hyperdontia
These supernumerary teeth can be classified by their shape and position. The shape consists of the following:
Supplemental - where the tooth has a typical form of the teeth in that series.
Tuberculate - this tooth has a barrel form, usually occurs in pairs, and rarely protrudes from the gums.
Conical - This tooth is small and shaped like a cone that grows in front of your teeth.
Odontoma - This happens when dental tissue has grown unexpectedly.
What are the possible problems associated with having such extra teeth?
According to a survey, 11% of people have extra teeth.
Most of the time, supernumerary teeth do not cause pain. However, having extra teeth in the mouth might put pressure on the patient's gums and jaw, resulting in swelling.
Sometimes they cannot penetrate the gum but still affect your remaining teeth. Problems with these extra teeth are
Your natural teeth may be unable to erupt because of it.
It can displace the other teeth in your mouth.
It can affect your other teeth's roots.
It can make your permanent teeth crooked or crowded.
In very rare circumstances, teeth may develop inside the nasal cavity.
Causes of Hyperdontia
Although the actual cause of Hyperdontia is unknown, it appears to be connected to several genetic disorders, such as:
Gardner's syndrome is a rare disorder that is characterized by numerous colorectal polyps. People with Gardner's syndrome have a high risk of colorectal cancer at a young age.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome - This genetic condition results in scoliosis, damaged skin, loose, easily dislocated joints, and painful muscles and joints.
Fabry disease - If you have this rare condition, your body can't produce the enzyme needed to break down fats. This results in severe stomach pain, rashes, burning pain in your hands and feet, and the inability to sweat.
Cleft palate and lips - This is a gap in the upper lip or the roof of your mouth. These congenital disabilities occur exceptionally early in pregnancy.
Cleidocranial dysplasia - This extremely rare condition, which runs in families, results in bone deformities, especially in the skull and collarbone. They may result in other issues, such as ear infections and difficulty eating, hearing, or speaking.
How is Hyperdontia diagnosed?
It is simple to identify Hyperdontia if your extra teeth have erupted. However, for many people, the extra teeth cannot be discovered until after a dental X-ray or when an anticipated tooth fails to erupt.
It can also be diagnosed through a CT scan.
Treatments:
The type of treatment depends on whether the extra teeth are likely to cause problems.
Extra teeth typically have no symptoms. The person might not even notice them. A Dentist might only detect them on an X-ray.
Supernumerary teeth may not require treatment if they are not creating any symptoms or difficulties.
However, in most cases of this treatment, the extra teeth must be removed even if they are not hurting.
Your dentist may advise removing the extra teeth if you
Have a genetic disorder that causes extra teeth.
Inability to chew correctly or other teeth cut your mouth when you chew.
Experience discomfort or pain as a result of overcrowding.
Have difficulty adequately fossil or cleaning your teeth due to the extra teeth, which could cause decay or gum disease.
Feel uneasy or ashamed of the appearance of your extra teeth.
Bottom line
Most people don't need any medical intervention. Some people might require having their extra teeth extracted to prevent further problems. If you have Hyperdontia, be sure to inform your dental doctor of any pain, discomfort, swelling, or weakness in your mouth.
If you're worried about other teeth or dental abnormalities in your mouth, step into our Dehiwala Dental Care for further information.