Treatment Options for Hyperdontia
Hyperdontia, a condition in which supernumerary teeth are present, can cause oral health problems in some, while others may find extra teeth to be an aesthetic issue. Whatever the case, Dr. Nicholas Perry Orchard offers a full range of restorative dentistry treatments to address hyperdontia and dental issues associated with this condition. If you would like information about treatment for hyperdontia and live in or around Corpus Christi, TX, please contact our team to schedule a consultation. In the meantime, learn more about hyperdontia as we discuss the causes and treatments available for this condition.
What Is Hyperdontia?
Typically, people should have 20 primary, or “baby,” teeth and 32 permanent, or “adult,” teeth. With hyperdontia, a person will have one or more teeth than the expected 20 baby teeth or 32 adult teeth. These extra teeth are called supernumerary teeth and are more commonly seen with the development of permanent teeth.
What Causes Hyperdontia?
There is currently no known cause for hyperdontia, but it is believed to have a genetic component. Although the cause of hyperdontia is unknown, it is often associated with other genetic conditions and syndromes, including Gardner syndrome, Ehler-Danlos syndrome, and a cleft palate or cleft lip. Hyperdontia is also more common in males than females.
Treatments for Hyperdontia
Hyperdontia can cause oral health issues or increase the risk of certain issues, in which case treatment should be performed. Some possible complications of hyperdontia include:
- Overcrowding of the teeth
- Malocclusion
- Fusion of the teeth
- Impacted teeth
- Increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay
- The formation of tumors or cysts
If hyperdontia poses a risk to dental health, or has already caused a complication, treatment often includes extraction of the supernumerary tooth or teeth. This may be followed by orthodontics or other treatments to address the specific needs of the patient.
In some cases, supernumerary teeth cause no oral health problems and won’t need any specific treatment. Instead, such supernumerary teeth should be closely watched for any signs of decay or other oral health issues that may develop without proper care. However, extraction of healthy supernumerary teeth may be performed for aesthetic purposes.
The Benefits of Treating Hyperdontia
Although some people may not require treatment for hyperdontia, those who do can expect such benefits as:
- Improved aesthetics: Whether or not hyperdontia has caused oral health problems, extra teeth can cause aesthetic issues. The removal of supernumerary teeth can improve the appearance of the smile, especially when combined with orthodontic treatment.
- Reduced risk of gum disease and tooth decay: The overlapping of teeth common to hyperdontia increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay by making it difficult to thoroughly clean the teeth. Removing excess teeth and eliminating overlap can help make it easier to properly brush and floss the teeth, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
- Relief from malocclusion: Hyperdontia can cause malocclusion, which in turn can place strain on the jaws and make it painful to eat. Removing supernumerary teeth and undergoing orthodontics is an effectives way to correct the alignment of the teeth, helping to relieve the symptoms of malocclusion.
Learn More about Your Treatment Options
If you have hyperdontia and would like to learn more about this condition or discuss your treatment options, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Orchard today.