Supernumerary teeth in a sample of South African dental patients

Supernumerary teeth (SNT) are often associated with malocclusions. Data on SNT in the South African population not well documented. To determine prevalence, distribution of characteristics and any complications a sample dental patients. The study was retrospective, cross-sectional descriptive. Method: Orthopantomographs 12,005 patients were reviewed for presence SNT. number, morphology, location, eruption status orientation assessed. Associated orthodontic problems noted. prevalence rate 2.48%. No sexual dimorphism Types tabulated were: supplementary, conical, tuberculate odontoma. Maxilla demonstrated higher predilection Variation anterior, premolar molar regions each jaw across jaws statistically significant. Relationship to morphology significance. Malocclusions noted displacement impaction adjacent teeth. From an perspective, may compromise tooth movement space closure Additionally, as majority this maxillary mandibular regions, caution is advised when planning placement implants these regions.