Friday, 7 March 2014

How Our Dentist Treats Hyperdontia



dentist
Hyperdontia is a condition that needs to be treated by a dentist.  It is when people have too many teeth, or supernumerary teeth, in addition to the teeth they, actually need.  There are cases where an extra tooth or two appear, and others where an entire extra set of teeth come in.  Both can cause extreme discomfort and require treatment by your family dentist.

A child is supposed to have twenty primary (baby) teeth.  As those fall out they should be replaced with thirty-two permanent teeth.  If you end up with additional teeth forming, you should contact your family dentist and schedule an appointment.

What causes Hyperdontia?

It may be hereditary so if you suffered from it, your children may, as well. Other studies have found that environmental reasons can contribute to the formation of supernumerary teeth.  In other words, scientist don’t know the exact cause of hyperdontia.  When these additional teeth develop they are believed to form from the tooth bud either splitting or a second tooth bud forming near the original one. These cases occur more often with permanent teeth than with baby teeth, yet it is still important to look for any additional formations during your dental exam.  It is also unlikely for additional molars to form, though this does happen in rare cases.

How many people suffer from this?

Approximately four percent of the population will end up with too many teeth.  Most often, it will be one or two extra teeth that can easily be removed.

What are the risks of having too many teeth?

Sometimes, the additional teeth won’t break through the gums but continue to prevent other permanent teeth from coming in.  There interference with the development of a patients normal set of teeth can cause discomfort and an inconvenience as your teeth are needed for eating and speaking clearly.

How is hyperdontia treated?

If the extra teeth break through the surface, they can be pulled.  If they are under the surface and causing other teeth not to break through, they may need to be removed surgically.  Not every case requires treatment.  If the extra tooth is not interfering with anything or causing any pain, you may elect to leave it in place.

As a family dentist, we treat patients of all ages and recommend that children start having dentist checkups a young as one years of age.  This lets us monitor their teeth and identify any potential problems like hyperdontia.  By identifying issues early, we can create a treatment plan that involves parents and prevents any unnecessary pain or discomfort.

Those that suffer from any dental abnormalities or conditions need to make sure that they take the time to properly care for their teeth.  By brushing at least twice a day, flossing regularly, drinking plenty of water, and having fluoride treatments you can keep your teeth strong and avoid tooth decay. 
Our general dentist office treats patients of all ages and works to prevent oral health problems through ongoing treatment and patient education.  Contact us today to schedule your appointment and stay on the path to good oral health