Hyperdontia (supernumerary teeth) is a developmental anomaly of presently unknown aetiology, whereas, according to many authors, it occurs due to the hyperactivity of dental lamina or the tooth bud dichotomy.
Hyperdontia is defined in the literature as a tooth malformation characterised by an increased number of dental buds in permanent or primary dentition.
Supernumerary teeth may occur at any place in the dental arch; however, their most frequent location is the anterior region of the jaw, and then the region of lower premolars.
They may be situated on one side or both sides in a vertical, transverse or inverted position, and may have a typical morphology resembling natural and normal dentition or have the form of odontogenic objects.
IMAGENOLOGY: Advancements in MRI Use in Dentistry
The incidence of such anomaly fluctuates between 0.3 – 0.8 % in deciduous teeth, and between 1.5 – 3.9% in permanent teeth; it has been noted in a Chinese population that the incidence of hyperdontia may reach even up to 7.8%.
Such a disorder occurs much more frequently in males than in females in the proportion between 2:1 – 6:1.
This study aimes to review current literature and present the aetiology, prevalence, diagnosis, treatment options and complications of supernumerary teeth.
