MAPPING OF SUPERNUMERARY ELEMENTS IN PATIENTS SEEKING ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

Abstract

Introduction: Dimension, number and shape alterations are frequently observed dental anomalies. Objective: The aim of this study was to map the frequency, the preferred location and the most prevalent types of supernumerary teeth, in the studied population. In addition, to assess the interference that supernumerary
teeth may cause in the ectopic eruption of the normal dental series teeth. Methods: This is an observational retrospective study. Data collection was performed by evaluation of dental records of patients treated in an orthodontic clinic. Patients‘ radiographs, photographs and gypsum dental models were analyzed and data
recorded in protocol files, by previously trained undergraduate and postgraduate students. Records from 1984 to 2019 were evaluated, and evaluation lasted two months. Data were stored in Microsoft Office Excel (version 2016) for descriptive analysis. Results: From the 920 patients’ records analyzed, 2.7% presented at
least one supernumerary tooth, with preferred location on the anterior maxillary area and mandibular parapremolar area. The most prevalent type was the supplemental tooth, with normal eruption orientation and normal alveolar location. Conclusion: The supernumerary teeth of the studied population showed
little interference in the ectopic eruption of the normal dental series. Most of the supernumerary teeth were impacted, and, approximately one third of the supernumerary teeth showed deviated eruptions.