Impacted Supernumerary Tooth

A supernumerary tooth is an extra tooth that develops in addition to the regular number of teeth. While the standard adult human mouth usually contains 32 teeth and a child's primary set comprises 20, the presence of any tooth beyond this count is termed 'supernumerary'.

Supernumerary teeth can be found in any part of the dental arch, but they are most frequently observed in the upper jaw, particularly between the two central incisors, a location referred to as 'mesiodens'. Another common location is behind the upper molars, known as 'paramolars', or behind the lower molars, called 'distomolars'.

There are several reasons for the removal of supernumerary teeth, primarily orthodontic in nature. These include:

1. Space Issues: The presence of an extra tooth can lead to crowding of the regular teeth, affecting alignment and spacing.
2. Impeding Eruption: Supernumerary teeth might obstruct or delay the eruption of adjacent permanent teeth, preventing them from coming in properly.
3. Dental Health Concerns: Extra teeth might result in complications like cyst formation or resorption of adjacent teeth.
4. Aesthetic Reasons: They can affect the overall appearance of one's smile, especially if they're present in the anterior regions of the mouth.

Due to these reasons, it's often recommended to remove supernumerary teeth, ensuring a proper dental alignment and promoting better oral health.

After your surgical procedure, your maxillofacial surgeon and orthodontist will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions. You may experience some swelling, discomfort, or mild pain, which can be managed with prescribed medications and proper care. Your surgeon might schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and ensure the best outcomes.

You can find some additional instructions below.