Conditions
Hyperdontia
A condition where a person develops more teeth than normal.
Hyperdontia describes the presence of one or more supernumerary (extra) teeth beyond the normal complement of 20 primary or 32 permanent teeth. The most common extra tooth is a mesiodens, which sits between the two upper central incisors. Other locations include behind the molars (distomolars) and beside premolars. Hyperdontia can crowd the dentition, block adjacent teeth from erupting, cause cyst formation, or simply be an incidental finding on an X-ray. Treatment depends on whether the extra tooth interferes with eruption, alignment, or hygiene; many are extracted, while asymptomatic ones may be monitored.