Supernumerary and supplemental teeth: case report

Abstract

Aim: This is to report the case of a ten year old child affected by a numeric dental anomaly showing the pathologic condition characterised by the simultaneous presence of supernumerary and supplemental teeth. The anomaly was analysed to plan the best surgical and orthodontic treatments.

Case report: Dental history, clinical and instrumental examinations were made to perform a correct orthodontic examination and diagnosis. A young patient was affected by numeric dental anomaly in the upper jaw. We observed a high number of teeth, specifically two normally formed supplemental lateral permanent incisors and an unerupted mesiodens placed between the upper central incisors. Firstly, the supplemental lateral teeth were extracted. This surgical therapy and the application of a space maintainer were made to permit the eruption of the permanent canines. Then the mesiodens also underwent surgical treatment (i.e. extraction). Eventually, physiologic eruption of permanent teeth was allowed by the planned surgical-orthodontic treatment.

Discussion: Aim of the surgical-orthodontic treatment was extraction of the unerupted supernumerary teeth to obtain the physiologic eruption of the permanent ones. Orthodontic treatment is important to solve malocclusions and maintaining the space for the eruption of permanent teeth.

Conclusion: Aesthetics and function are two important parameters in modern dentistry. All clinicians should try to make a correct and rational diagnosis for both simple and complex dental pathologies. Particularly in young children, invasive and surgical disinclusive techniques can be substituted by interceptive orthodontic treatments.