Does your child have extra teeth beyond their normal set? At 949 Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we provide specialized treatment for supernumerary teeth, also known as hyperdontia.
Extra teeth are relatively common in kids and if left untreated, they can lead to oral health issues down the road. Fortunately, our expert pediatric dentists offer safe and effective treatment plans to properly address supernumerary teeth in children.
What Are Supernumerary Teeth?
Supernumerary teeth, commonly called extra teeth , refer to teeth that are additional to the normal 20 deciduous and 32 permanent teeth humans typically have. They are also known as hyperdontia.
These extra teeth can appear in either the primary or permanent dentition stage. The most frequent location is behind the upper central incisors, where they are termed mesiodens. However, extra teeth may erupt in other areas like:
- Between other teeth
- In the areas where premolars and wisdom teeth grow
- In back areas near the molars
- In the nasal cavity or even the orbital floor (under the eye) in rare cases
While the exact causes of extra teeth are not fully understood, there are several factors that may contribute to their development:
| Genetics | There appears to be a hereditary component, as supernumerary teeth occur more often among close family members. Certain genetic conditions like Gardner’s syndrome and cleidocranial dysplasia also increase risk. |
| Environmental Factors | Localized trauma, smoking or radiation exposure during pregnancy, chemotherapy drugs, and illnesses during tooth development may influence hyperdontia. |
| Cleft Lip or Palate | Children born with cleft lip and palate have a higher prevalence of extra teeth next to the cleft areas. |
| Tooth Bud Splitting | In some cases, the tooth bud may split into two resulting in adjacent supernumerary teeth. Underlying genetic and environmental factors likely lead to this. |
Your Child’s Smile, Our Specialty
Possible Effects of Supernumerary Teeth
The presence of extra teeth can negatively impact healthy oral development and function in a number of ways:
- Crowding
Additional teeth take up space in the dental arches, often pushing forward and causing crowding and misalignment of other teeth. This may lead to an uneven bite and other orthodontic issues.
- Tooth displacement
An extra tooth may displace permanent teeth from their normal eruption path and position in the mouth or push adjacent teeth out of proper alignment. This can prevent teeth from erupting into their ideal functional positions.
- Impaction
A supernumerary tooth may become vertically impacted against another tooth, usually the adjacent tooth. This blocks the complete eruption of the permanent tooth, which remains trapped below the gums and impacted against the extra tooth. Impaction can lead to complications like infection, cyst formation, and damage to permanent teeth.
- Delayed eruption
The presence of an additional tooth can physically obstruct and delay or completely prevent the normal eruption of other permanent teeth. This may result in permanent teeth being retained below the gums.
- Cyst formation
Fluid-filled sacs called dentigerous cysts sometimes form around the crown of an unerupted supernumerary tooth. Cysts can damage surrounding teeth and bone and require surgical removal.
- Root abnormalities
Extra teeth may cause nearby permanent teeth to develop peg-shaped, pointed, fused, dilacerated, or otherwise abnormally formed roots. This can lead to weakened teeth.
- Bone loss
The excessive force exerted by an emerging supernumerary tooth on the jaw can result in bone loss and deficiency in the affected area of the upper or lower arch.
If not treated in a timely manner, hyperdontia can contribute to malocclusion, soft tissue swelling, infections, and various orthodontic disorders. That’s why early evaluation and intervention is critical.
Signs Your Child May Have Extra Teeth
Some signs that may indicate the presence of supernumerary teeth in your child include:
- Delayed loss of primary teeth beyond the normal age range
- Delayed or abnormal eruption of permanent teeth
- Crowding of erupting permanent front teeth
- Bulge or soft tissue swelling along the gums
- Broad space between upper front teeth
- Misshapen or fused teeth
- Protrusion of upper front teeth
During your child’s regular dental checkups every 6 months, our pediatric dentists will carefully examine the mouth for any clinical signs of hyperdontia. We also take panoramic x-rays starting at age 6-7 to screen for extra teeth not yet visible.
Comprehensive Treatment for Supernumerary Teeth
At 949 Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, our skilled clinical team provides specialized diagnosis and treatment for children with extra teeth in New York City. We understand that supernumerary teeth can cause various complications if not properly addressed, so we take great care to thoroughly evaluate each patient’s unique condition and provide appropriate management.
Our detailed, personalized treatment process includes:
- Thorough clinical exam – We perform a comprehensive oral exam, looking for any visible signs of extra teeth or associated issues like crowding, displacement of normal teeth, delayed eruption, or cyst formation. We palpate for abnormalities and examine the occlusion.
- Diagnostic imaging – Panoramic x-rays provide a broad overview of all teeth, including impacted supernumeraries. Cone beam CT scans give us detailed 3D views of the number, position, and orientation of any extra teeth present. This helps us develop the optimal treatment plan.
- Consultation – We explain all findings and treatment options to parents in clear terms, answering any questions. We discuss pros and cons of monitoring versus extraction.
- Treatment planning – We develop a tailored treatment plan based on the type, position, and orientation of the supernumerary teeth, their potential effect on normal dentition and occlusion, and associated dental complications.
- Monitoring – If extra teeth are not currently causing problems, we may recommend periodic monitoring rather than active treatment. We closely follow the patient to watch for any changes.
- Extraction – We surgically extract problematic supernumerary teeth that are negatively impacting normal teeth or may lead to future complications. This is done under general anesthesia.
- Orthodontic treatment – If needed, we provide orthodontic treatment to correct any spacing or alignment issues caused by the extra teeth.
- Restorative treatment – If extra teeth affect the shape or color of normal teeth, we provide solutions like dental bonding or crowns to improve appearance.
- Follow-up care – Patients are monitored regularly after treatment to ensure continued healthy dental and jaw development. We also check for potential recurrence of supernumerary teeth.
Join the Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics family for dedicated, child-friendly dental care that makes every visit a fun experience.
Why Choose Us for Supernumerary Teeth Treatment?
Our practice offers comprehensive treatment from accurate diagnosis to gentle removal. Here are the reasons families trust us for supernumerary teeth extraction and ongoing care:
Specialized Expertise
Our pediatric dentists have advanced training specifically in children’s oral health issues. We stay up-to-date on the latest research and techniques for treating extra teeth. You can trust our doctors have the knowledge and skills to properly diagnose and develop an effective treatment plan.
Child-Focused Environment
We understand visiting the dentist can be stressful for kids. Our kid-friendly office is designed to put children at ease with games, books, and rewards programs. Our team takes extra time to explain procedures in a way kids understand. We do all we can to make your child feel comfortable and supported.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Detecting extra teeth can be complex, often requiring advanced imaging. We utilize state-of-the-art 3D cone beam CT scanners to pinpoint supernumerary teeth location and orientation. This technology allows our doctors to develop a precise treatment plan.
Gentle and Caring Approach
Keeping your child comfortable is our top priority. We use anesthesia options including laughing gas and conscious sedation to ensure procedures are painless. We also offer parental presence and distraction techniques to aid relaxation. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Focus on Prevention
Our doctors don’t just extract extra teeth, we provide complete dental care. We will monitor your child’s smile long-term and intervene early to prevent future orthodontic problems. Our team takes a proactive approach to get your child’s teeth aligned and support healthy development.
Continuity of Care
We are your dental home for the long run. Our office provides complete care from infancy through adolescence including dental, orthodontics, and oral surgery. No need to see multiple specialists – your child has access to comprehensive treatment under one roof.
By choosing us for your child’s supernumerary teeth treatment, you are ensuring they receive the most up-to-date, compassionate care available. We’re dedicated to giving your child the brightest, healthiest smile possible.
Get Your Child Evaluated for Extra Teeth
The sooner hyperdontia is diagnosed, the better the treatment outcome will be. Our experts can confirm if extra teeth are present and recommend the appropriate treatment plan based on your child’s specific needs.
Take the first step by scheduling a supernumerary teeth evaluation at our office. Contact 949 Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics today to book your appointment.