A supernumerary tooth is an extra tooth. Super means above and numerary means number, so supernumerary means above the normal number. Nature has a plan and extra teeth are not part of this plan. Most human beings have thirty two (32) adult teeth and any more are not normal. For some reason, they occur most often in the upper jaw.

           The most common places for a supernumerary tooth to occur are between the upper front two teeth and in the wisdom tooth area. However, they have been found in the upper and lower premolar area and also in the lower incisor area. When it occurs between the upper central incisors, the extra tooth is generally shaped like a small cone and can cause an unattractive tooth gap to form.

           A supernumerary tooth can cause a dental malocclusion by crowding more teeth into an area of the mouth meant for less teeth. The crowding makes it difficult to clean these areas and can lead to tooth decay or periodontal disease problems. Dentists can find an extra tooth by counting the number of teeth shown in a panoramic x-ray. This is a good reason to take a panoramic film on a child since removal of the tooth before it erupts can usually avoid a number of problems before they occur. It is almost always best to remove it as soon as possible.

        The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky provides both oral surgery and orthodontic services to assist patient with a supernumerary tooth. If you would like to make a free dental consultation with our dentist in atlanta, call 404-874-7428.