SUPERNUMERARY TEETH-REVIEW OFAETIOLOGY, SEQUELAE, DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT. PART II.

The mechanism by which supernumerary teeth arise is not yet known, and there may be different aetiological explanations for different types of supernumeraries. Many theories have been suggested to explain how this anomaly occurs in the dentition. With difficulties in obtaining sufficient embryological evidence on supernumerary teeth development, any theory concerning their formation remains hypothetical.Abnormalities in dentition can be caused by supernumerary teeth. Anterior supernumerary teeth can cause more serious problems than posterior supernumeraries, wherein the most frequent complaint is one of aesthetics. The most common sequelae of supernumerary teeth are displacement of teeth of the normal series, crowding and rotation of the normal teeth in the affected region, development of an abnormal median diastema, interference with occlusal development or orthodontic mechanics during orthodontic treatment, delay or failure of eruption of associated permanent teeth and gemination or fusion.Early diagnosis and detection of supernumerary teeth is crucial to avoid or minimize such complications includingboth clinical and radiographic examination.There are two choices of treatment of supernumerary teeth namely removal or maintenance of the supernumerary tooth, with periodic follow-up. The treatment of choice will depends on several factors such as associated pathology and/or abnormality, age of the patient and degree of dental development of the neighbouring permanent teeth, and location and type of the supernumerary tooth.