Polyodontia

Polyodontia is a dental anomaly characterized by the presence of extra teeth beyond the normal count. This condition can manifest in various ways, with the extra teeth, known as supernumerary teeth, appearing anywhere in the dental arches. They can be fully formed and resemble normal teeth, or they can be malformed and smaller, often referred to as odontomas or tuberculate teeth. Polyodontia can affect both the primary (deciduous) and permanent dentition. The exact cause of polyodontia is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a disturbance in the dental lamina during tooth development. Genetic factors are often implicated, and the condition can sometimes be associated with certain syndromes like cleidocranial dysplasia and Gardner syndrome.

In many cases, polyodontia is asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during routine dental examinations. However, supernumerary teeth can lead to a range of complications. These include crowding of teeth, impaction of adjacent teeth, delayed eruption of normal teeth, malocclusion, and formation of cysts or tumors. In some instances, the extra teeth may erupt and cause aesthetic concerns or interfere with chewing. Diagnosis typically involves clinical examination and radiographic imaging such as dental X-rays or CT scans. Treatment for polyodontia depends on the location, number, and impact of the supernumerary teeth. Often, extraction of the extra teeth is recommended to prevent or resolve complications and to allow for proper alignment of the remaining teeth.