An epidemiological study on supernumerary teeth: a survey on 5,000 people.

BACKGROUND The formation of dental tissues is a highly delicate and complex phenomenon. Any alteration in this process leads to various dental anomalies which affect the tooth number, size, shape and structure. Supernumerary teeth are one such anomaly which affects the tooth number. Supernumerary teeth can give rise to various complications and pathologies or they may have a familial / syndromic association. They may occur along with other dental anomalies. Thus, such teeth have a definite clinical significance. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim of the following study was to know the prevalence of the supernumerary teeth and the distribution of the cases according to the age, sex, jaw, region, eruption status, and the position. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 5000 patients were examined for a period of 1 year's duration and they were divided into different groups. Group I consisted of individuals who were aged between 5-20 years, Group II consisted of individuals who were aged between 21-40 years, and Group III consisted of individuals who were aged 41 years and above. The dental examination was conducted by using a mouth mirror and a probe, to determine the presence of supernumerary teeth. All the cases with supernumerary teeth were further observed and the details were recorded in a prepared porforma. These cases were also subjected to general physical examinations (to rule out any syndromes) and radiographic examinations. Photographs were also made. CONCLUSION Although supernumerary teeth is an unusual anomaly, it is not as rare as was previously reported. The identification of this anomaly could provide a hint towards the possibility of complications, pathologies, other dental anomalies, syndromes and a familial association.