Causes for Supernumerary Teeth
There is no specific cause of the supernumerary teeth. Many theories are given to explain their presence. Some says that these are there because of the abnormal division of the tooth bud but another theory says that it is because of the hyperactivity of the dental lamina. Dental lamina is the dental tissue which forms the tooth buds to form the teeth. If the dental lamina shows hyperactivity then extra teeth are formed which are known as the supernumerary teeth. Hereditary is also considered to be one of the main cause of supernumerary teeth.
What is the incidence of Supernumerary Teeth
The incidence of supernumerary teeth is more common in adult permanent teeth as compared to deciduous teeth. It is 0.8% in deciduous teeth and 2.1% in permanent teeth. These can be unilaterally present or bilaterally. It can be single or multiple. Normally it is single but multiple supernumerary teeth are present in cases of cleft lip and palate, cleidocranial dysplasia or Gardner’s syndrome. The incidence of supernumerary teeth in cleft lip and palate cases is around 22%. While in cleidocranial dysplasia cases it is 22.2% in maxillary region and 5 % in molar region. The supernumerary teeth can be present in one jaw or both the jaws. In deciduous teeth the incidence of supernumerary teeth is equal in males and females but in case of permanent teeth the incidence of supernumerary teeth is twice in males as compared to the females.
