From Volume 47, Issue 3, March 2020 | Pages 247-251
This case report discusses the characteristics, sequelae and management of the supernumerary tooth in a developing dentition, particularly the mesiodens. The case describes when an eruption of a mesiodens was misdiagnosed as a microdont maxillary central incisor, leading to ectopic and late eruption of the permanent maxillary incisor. This case highlights the importance of clinical and radiographic investigation where tooth size asymmetry is observed in the upper anterior region.
Supernumerary teeth or hyperdontia is the presence of teeth in excess of the normal number. The most common supernumerary tooth is the mesiodens,1 which is a supernumerary tooth located in the maxillary central incisor region. The reported prevalence of mesiodens ranges between 0.15% and 1.9%2 and can occur as single or multiple entities, present either unilaterally or bilaterally.3 Mesiodens are reported to occur in conjunction with other dental anomalies; a third of all mesiodens patients present with other supernumerary teeth, whilst some present with congenitally missing teeth.4
Mesiodens can be classified on the basis of their occurrence in the permanent or primary dentition and morphology. Morphologies reported in the literature include conical, tuberculate, supplemental, molariform and odontomes (compound and complex odontomes),5 of which the conical form is the commonest type,6 comprising approximately two-thirds of all mesiodens.5 The conical mesiodens is typically a peg-shaped, singular entity and often has a completely formed root with potential for eruption into the oral cavity.2
Thank you for visiting Dental Update and reading some of our resources. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
