Have you ever looked at someone and thought that they had too many teeth? It is possible. There is an oral condition known as hyperdontia that causes extra teeth to grow in an individual’s mouth. Let’s take a closer look at how this occurs and what’s available for help, if necessary.

What is hyperdontia?

Hyperdontia is a condition where an individual has too many teeth in their mouth. A child should have 20 primary teeth and an adult should have 32 teeth. Extra teeth are often referred to as supernumerary teeth.

Most cases of hyperdontia are mild and an individual may only have one or two extra teeth, but in serious cases, a person may have many more than needed, which can cause some problems.

How to Know if You Have Hyperdontia

In mild cases, an individual may never know that they have extra teeth. It is only diagnosed during an oral exam or x-ray. In severe cases, the extra teeth can be noticeable and can cause pain while eating.

Hyperdontia isn’t too common. It only occurs in about 1% to 4% of the population with most cases only experiencing one extra tooth.

Common Causes of Hyperdontia

The condition happens more often in men than it does in women. It is more common in people that have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Gardner’s syndrome, Fabry disease, Cleidocranial Dysplasia, or children who have a cleft palate.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

This is a condition that is inherited. It causes easy bruising, scoliosis, loose sometimes painful joints, and painful muscles.

Gardner’s Syndrome

It is a rare disorder that causes colon growths, skull growths, and cysts.

Fabry Disease

People with Fabry disease can experience skin rashes, painful hands and feet, abdominal pain, and the inability to sweat.

Cleidocranial Dysplasia

It is a birth defect that affects the bone and teeth. A person’s skull and collarbone are usually poorly developed.

The Extra Teeth

Extra teeth can grow anywhere, but they are more common in certain areas. A distomolar tooth grows in the back of the mouth in line with your other teeth. Paramolar teeth grow in the back of the mouth, but instead of staying in line, it grows next to the other molars. A mesiodens tooth grows next to your incisors. This is the most common type of hyperdontia.

Shapes of the Teeth

• Conical Shaped: A tooth may be wide at the base and come to a point. This will make the tooth look sharp.
• Tuberculate: The tooth is shaped like a barrel or tube.
• Supplemental: The tooth is shaped like the tooth that it is next to.
• Compound Ondontoma: The tooth has numerous small growths.
• Complex Ondontoma: Instead of one single tooth, there will be a mass.

Risk Factors of Hyperdontia

For many people, hyperdontia isn’t painful, but in some cases, the extra teeth can cause pain and swelling. Overcrowding is also an issue, and it can cause the permanent teeth to be crooked. Below are some common risk factors for hyperdontia:

• Increased risk of infection
• Cysts
• Tumors
• Malocclusion
• Primary teeth are unable to grow in properly
• Impactions

Treating Hyperdontia

If you have a mild case of hyperdontia, you probably will not need treatment. If you only experience a slight discomfort, your dentist may recommend a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Severe cases often require surgery to remove the extra teeth.

Other reasons that your dentist will recommend removal:

• Unable to chew properly
• Extra teeth are cutting the inside of your mouth
• Genetic condition that is causing the extra teeth
• Overcrowding
• Pain or discomfort
• Cannot brush your teeth or floss properly
• If you are self-conscious
• Affecting your dental hygiene
• Blocking the growth of permanent teeth

Untreated Hyperdontia in Children

Hyperdontia doesn’t always have to be treated in children, but problems can arise. Since children usually do not brush their teeth adequately, they have a higher risk of developing cavities and cysts. The extra teeth may also lead to speech issues, irregular facial appearance, and displacement of permanent teeth.

Let’s Discuss Your Options

If you or your child has hyperdontia, contact us and schedule an appointment. We will perform an exam to see the extent of the condition. Dental Group of Simi Valley is conveniently located at 1720 E. Los Angeles Ave. Suite 202, Simi Valley, CA 93065. You can contact us at (805) 522-6020. We look forward to speaking to you and answering all your questions.