2-18. SUPERNUMERARY TEETH
Dental hyperplasia may result in additional enamel organs being formed,
resulting in development of teeth beyond the normal number (32) permanent teeth.
Hyperplasia is defined as an increase in the number of individual tissue elements. This
may also account for supernumerary cusps or roots within the normal complement of
teeth (see figure 2-16). The vast majority of supernumerary teeth occur in the maxilla,
with the most common being a mesiodens (a tooth located between the permanent
maxillary central incisors) (see figure 2-17).
NOTE:
This radiograph reveals a developing supernumerary (third) premolar.
Figure 2-16. Supernumerary teeth, premolar.
NOTE:
A mesiodens is in evidence between the two normal central incisors. Note its
conical shape. Malposition of teeth and generalized gingivitis are other
features of this example.
Figure 2-17. Supernumerary teeth, mesiodens.
MD0511
2-15