What Is Supernumerary?

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Have you heard the term supernumerary before? Supernumerary (hyperdontia) is an extra copy of one or more teeth. It occurs most common in people with a cleft palate or cleft lip, but can also be due to the environment, genes, or injuries.

Usually, it is recommended to have supernumerary teeth removed and orthodontic treatment started. The removal of teeth is necessary for a normal bite relationship between the upper and lower arches. There are also cases where removing a supernumerary tooth is necessary to allow enough room for the permanent tooth to come in.

To determine if a supernumerary tooth is present, your dentist will do a panoramic x-ray. Problems can be prevented by early detection and regular x-rays.