Description

Supernumerary teeth are defined as "Teeth, or tooth-like structures that have either erupted or remain unerupted in addition to the 20 primary and 32 permanent teeth." Effects of supernumerary teeth on the developing dentition vary. There may be no effect with the supernumerary tooth or crowding may be evident due to an increased number of erupted teeth. Failure of eruption of adjacent permanent teeth is the most frequent occurrence and occurs in 30 to 60 per cent of cases. The supernumerary or adjacent teeth may be displaced and ectopic eruption of either is not uncommon. In this library dissertation we will be discussing in detail about the supernumerary teeth in anterior region of the oral cavity, as it is the most common site of involvement, with their complications. It will be a review of the current literature regarding the diagnostic assessment and surgical management of anterior supernumerary teeth to provide a concensus of opinion as to the most reasonable and practical approach to this very interesting, but sometimes perplexing, clinical entity.