Identification and surgical removal of supernumerary teeth: case report

Abstract

Supernumerary teeth are those that develop in the jaws in addition to normal teeth. These teeth are more frequent in permanent dentition and, in some cases, are associated with systemic diseases and syndromes. This study aimed to report a clinical case, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis of supernumerary teeth to avoid complex and difficult-to-solve problems related to impaired aesthetics due to smile disharmony and the establishment of correct occlusion. Leukoderma patient, male, 9 years old, sought care accompanied by the responsible, having as main complaint the existence of a “atrophied tooth” between the upper central incisors and a compromise in aesthetics due to disharmony of the smile. After the anamnesis was performed, a clinical examination was performed, and the presence of a mesiodent was verified, causing diastema between the incisors and marked vestibularization of the element 21, contributing to an absence of adequate lip sealing. Periapical radiographs of the area, an occlusal radiography and an orthopantomography were performed. It was observed that in addition to the presence of a supernumerary element in the anterior (mesiodent) region, there was another supernumerary tooth included in the antero-median region of the palate. Based on the clinical and radiographic exams, we opted for the surgical removal of supernumeraries. Supernumerary teeth are a dental number anomaly that may appear erupted or included and, in addition, may be related to syndromes or systemic diseases. Thus, there is a need for an accurate diagnosis and, in most cases, surgical removal of excess teeth.