Children develop 20 teeth. As youngsters become older, the 20 primary teeth fall out and are replaced by 32 adult teeth. Some people, though, grow extra, unwanted teeth. This condition is called hyperdontia. An oral/maxillofacial surgeon is the dental specialist to turn if you have supernumerary (extra) teeth. 

Choosing a superior oral surgeon is crucial for maintaining optimal health. The office of Bellevue Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is uniquely qualified to remedy a wide range of issues that encompass the jaw, mouth, cheekbones, teeth and soft tissues. 

Individuals who have hyperdontia might have a precondition such as a cleft palate or Gardner syndrome. About 30 percent of those with the latter have dental abnormalities that can include one or more supernumerary teeth. Supernumerary teeth usually appear in the front of the upper jaw. Some look like nearby teeth, while others look quite dissimilar. 

These extra teeth become problems when they’re in awkward positions and can’t penetrate the gum. Ad if they can penetrate the gum, they’re probably unattractive. Left unattended, teeth stuck under the gum can prevent nearby “normal” teeth from erupting. Even worse, buried supernumerary teeth might shove other teeth out of position, damage the roots of neighboring teeth or create cysts. 

The removal method of supernumerary teeth depends on their locations. If they’ve broken through the gums, it involves a simple extraction. If not—and if the teeth are covered by a thin layer of bone—it’s a bit more involved. The oral surgeon lifts back the gum, takes away the layer of bone and removes the tooth. After the extraction, the gum is stitched back into place using dissolvable stitches, and the bone heals at the removal site.

The office of Bellevue Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery thoroughly understands our patients’ needs. Our expertise, which encompasses the intricate network of bones, muscles and nerves that contribute to facial function, allows us to provide tailored treatment plans that cater to your specific requirements. Please call us today to make an appointment. 

By Bellevue Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

July 30, 2024