31 October 2026
Most people develop 20 primary teeth during childhood and 32 permanent teeth, including wisdom teeth. However, some people develop additional teeth beyond the usual number. These extra teeth are known as supernumerary teeth.
An extra tooth may remain hidden beneath the gums, emerge behind another tooth, or appear in an unexpected location within the dental arch. Some cause no noticeable symptoms, while others interfere with normal tooth eruption, create crowding, or affect the alignment of neighboring teeth.
Because supernumerary teeth can develop in different locations and orientations, their effects vary from person to person. Identifying an extra tooth early can help a dentist determine whether monitoring, removal, or additional treatment may be appropriate.
At Pacha & Bijan Dental in Maitland, Florida, a dental examination can help identify unusual tooth development and determine whether further assessment is necessary.
What Are Supernumerary Teeth?
Supernumerary teeth are additional teeth that develop beyond the normal number of primary or permanent teeth.
The condition is also called hyperdontia.
Extra teeth may resemble ordinary teeth or have an unusual shape. They can develop between the upper front teeth, behind the molars, or in other areas of the jaw.
Supernumerary teeth can be classified according to their shape, location, and relationship to the normal dental arch.
Some erupt into the mouth, making them visible during an examination. Others remain impacted beneath the gum tissue or within the jawbone.
The presence of an extra tooth does not automatically mean that treatment is required. The clinical significance depends on its location, orientation, effect on neighboring teeth, and potential for complications.
Why Do Extra Teeth Develop?
The exact cause of supernumerary teeth is not always known.
Tooth development is a complex biological process involving interactions between oral tissues, developmental signaling pathways, and genetic factors.
During development, specialized tissues interact to form the structures that eventually become teeth. Changes in these processes may contribute to the formation of additional teeth.
Genetic Factors
Supernumerary teeth can occur in families, suggesting that genetic factors may contribute to their development.
However, not every person with an extra tooth has a family history of the condition.
Developmental Variations
Changes in the processes responsible for tooth formation may lead to additional tooth development.
Researchers have proposed several explanations for how this happens, but a single mechanism does not account for every case.
Associated Conditions
Supernumerary teeth may occasionally occur alongside certain genetic or developmental conditions, including cleidocranial dysplasia and some cases of Gardner syndrome.
However, most people with an extra tooth should not assume that they have an underlying syndrome. A dentist or physician can determine whether additional assessment is appropriate based on the patient's medical history and clinical findings.
What Types of Supernumerary Teeth Exist?
Dentists classify supernumerary teeth according to their shape and location.
Understanding these differences helps explain why some extra teeth cause more problems than others.
Mesiodens
A mesiodens is an extra tooth that develops between the two upper front permanent teeth.
It is one of the most frequently encountered types of supernumerary teeth.
A mesiodens may remain hidden beneath the gums or erupt into the space between the central incisors.
Depending on its position, it may contribute to a gap between the front teeth, prevent an adjacent tooth from erupting, or cause displacement of nearby teeth.
Distomolar
A distomolar develops behind the third molar, commonly called the wisdom tooth.
Because it forms at the back of the dental arch, it may be difficult to identify through a visual examination alone.
Its significance depends on whether it affects the neighboring molars, surrounding tissues, or available space.
Paramolar
A paramolar is an extra tooth that develops near a molar, usually beside the normal dental arch rather than directly behind it.
It may be positioned toward the cheek or tongue side of the neighboring tooth.
Depending on its location, a paramolar can make cleaning more difficult or affect the surrounding teeth and gums.
Supplemental Teeth
Supplemental teeth resemble normal teeth in shape and size.
For example, an extra incisor may resemble a regular front tooth.
Because supplemental teeth can look similar to ordinary teeth, identifying them may require a careful examination of the overall tooth count and eruption pattern.
Conical and Tuberculate Teeth
Some supernumerary teeth have unusual shapes.
Conical teeth are typically small and cone-shaped. Tuberculate teeth may have a more barrel-shaped appearance with additional cusps or projections.
These shapes can influence how the tooth erupts and whether it obstructs the normal eruption path of nearby teeth.
How Can Extra Teeth Affect Your Smile?
The effects of supernumerary teeth depend on where they develop and whether they interfere with normal dental development.
Delayed Tooth Eruption
An extra tooth can obstruct the path of a permanent tooth attempting to emerge through the gums.
This may cause a permanent tooth to erupt later than expected or remain impacted.
For children and teenagers, identifying the obstruction can help the dentist determine whether intervention may be beneficial.
Crowding and Tooth Displacement
Extra teeth occupy space within the dental arch.
When an additional tooth develops in an already crowded area, it can contribute to displacement or irregular alignment.
A neighboring tooth may rotate, tilt, or erupt in an abnormal position.
Gaps Between the Front Teeth
A mesiodens between the upper central incisors may interfere with the normal positioning of the front teeth.
In some cases, this contributes to a persistent gap.
However, not every gap between the front teeth is caused by an extra tooth. Other factors, including natural tooth proportions and dental development, can also influence spacing.
Damage to Neighboring Tooth Roots
Depending on its position, an impacted supernumerary tooth may affect the roots of adjacent teeth.
Possible complications include root resorption, in which part of a neighboring tooth root is lost.
This is not inevitable, but it is one reason dentists evaluate the position of an extra tooth rather than relying solely on whether it causes pain.
Cyst Formation
In some cases, a cyst may develop around an unerupted tooth.
Cysts associated with impacted teeth can affect surrounding bone or neighboring structures if they enlarge.
Although this complication does not occur in every case, it may influence the decision to monitor or remove an extra tooth.
Difficulty Maintaining Oral Hygiene
An extra tooth that erupts in an unusual position may create an area that is difficult to clean.
Food and plaque can accumulate around crowded or overlapping teeth, increasing the risk of gum inflammation and tooth decay.
Can You Have an Extra Tooth Without Knowing It?
Yes.
A supernumerary tooth may remain completely beneath the gum tissue and cause no obvious symptoms.
Some people discover the condition only when dental X-rays are taken to investigate delayed eruption, crowding, or another concern.
Others may notice a small extra tooth emerging behind or between their regular teeth.
Because an unerupted tooth cannot always be detected visually, dental imaging may be useful when the tooth count or eruption pattern raises concerns.
How Are Supernumerary Teeth Diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves identifying the extra tooth, determining its location, and evaluating its relationship to nearby structures.
Step 1: Reviewing Dental Development
Your dentist may ask about the timing of tooth eruption, previous dental treatment, family history, and any concerns about crowding or missing permanent teeth.
In children, comparing the expected eruption pattern with the teeth currently present can provide useful information.
Step 2: Examining the Mouth
The dentist checks the number, position, and shape of the visible teeth.
They may look for an extra tooth, an unusual gap, delayed eruption, or displacement of neighboring teeth.
Step 3: Taking Dental X-Rays When Appropriate
Dental X-rays can reveal extra teeth that remain beneath the gums or inside the jawbone.
Imaging helps the dentist evaluate the tooth's orientation and its relationship to adjacent roots.
In more complex cases, additional imaging may be recommended if detailed three-dimensional information is needed for treatment planning.
Step 4: Evaluating Potential Complications
The dentist assesses whether the extra tooth is obstructing eruption, affecting neighboring teeth, or associated with changes in the surrounding bone.
The patient's age, dental development, and overall oral health also influence the assessment.
Step 5: Discussing Treatment Options
Once the findings are understood, the dentist can explain whether the tooth should be monitored, removed, or evaluated by a specialist.
The appropriate plan depends on the individual case rather than the presence of an extra tooth alone.
Do Supernumerary Teeth Always Need to Be Removed?
No.
Some extra teeth can remain in place without causing significant problems.
If a supernumerary tooth is not interfering with normal eruption, damaging nearby structures, or creating other complications, a dentist may recommend monitoring.
Other cases may benefit from removal, particularly when the extra tooth:
- Prevents a permanent tooth from erupting
- Displaces neighboring teeth
- Contributes to crowding
- Is associated with a cyst or other pathology
- Causes recurrent local problems
- Interferes with planned orthodontic treatment
Extraction decisions should account for the position of the extra tooth and the potential risks of surgery.
For an impacted tooth located near important roots or other anatomical structures, careful treatment planning is particularly important.
What Happens During Supernumerary Tooth Removal?
If removal is recommended, the procedure depends on whether the tooth has erupted and how deeply it is positioned.
Step 1: Examination and Treatment Planning
The dentist evaluates the tooth and reviews appropriate imaging.
The treatment plan accounts for the tooth's location, nearby roots, and the patient's medical and dental history.
Step 2: Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is commonly used for dental extraction procedures to help control pain during treatment.
The appropriate approach depends on the complexity of the case and the patient's needs.
Step 3: Accessing the Tooth
If the tooth is already visible, it may be possible to remove it through a conventional extraction approach.
If it is impacted, a surgical approach may be necessary to access the tooth beneath the gum tissue or bone.
Step 4: Removing the Tooth
The clinician carefully removes the extra tooth while protecting the surrounding structures as much as possible.
More complex cases may require referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Step 5: Recovery and Follow-Up
After removal, the patient receives instructions for managing the area during healing.
Follow-up may be needed to monitor healing and determine whether a previously obstructed permanent tooth requires additional treatment.
Will Removing an Extra Tooth Straighten Your Teeth?
Not necessarily.
Removing a supernumerary tooth may eliminate an obstruction or create space, but it does not automatically move displaced teeth into their correct positions.
If neighboring teeth have become crowded or rotated, orthodontic treatment may be considered after the obstruction is addressed.
The timing depends on the patient's age, the position of the affected teeth, and the remaining dental development.
In children and teenagers, the dentist may monitor whether a permanent tooth erupts naturally after the obstruction is removed.
When Should You Seek a Dental Evaluation?
Consider arranging an examination if you notice:
- An extra tooth emerging behind or between normal teeth
- A permanent tooth that has not erupted as expected
- Unexplained crowding or displacement
- A persistent gap associated with unusual tooth eruption
- Swelling near an unerupted tooth
- Recurrent discomfort in an area where a tooth may be trapped
Children should receive routine dental evaluations so that unusual eruption patterns can be identified during development.
Seek prompt care for significant pain, facial swelling, fever, or signs of infection.
Supernumerary Teeth Evaluation in Maitland, FL
Pacha & Bijan Dental provides comprehensive dental care for patients in Maitland, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, Orlando, Casselberry, Eatonville, and surrounding Central Florida communities.
The practice is located at:
320 N Maitland Ave, Ste B
Maitland, FL 32751
The office is near local destinations such as Lake Lily Park, Maitland Community Park, Maitland City Hall, and Maitland Station.
If you or your child has an extra tooth, delayed eruption, or unexplained dental crowding, a dental evaluation can help determine whether the condition requires monitoring, treatment, or specialist assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are supernumerary teeth rare?
Supernumerary teeth are an uncommon developmental variation. Their frequency differs across populations and studies. They may be discovered during routine dental examinations, particularly when imaging is used to investigate delayed eruption or unusual tooth positioning.
Can adults develop supernumerary teeth?
Supernumerary teeth usually develop as part of the tooth-development process rather than appearing suddenly in adulthood. However, an extra tooth that remained hidden may not be discovered until a person is an adult.
Can an extra tooth prevent a permanent tooth from coming in?
Yes. Depending on its location and orientation, a supernumerary tooth can obstruct the eruption path of a permanent tooth. Dental examination and imaging help determine whether the extra tooth is contributing to the delay.
Are supernumerary teeth hereditary?
Genetic factors may contribute, and extra teeth can occur in families. However, not every case has an identifiable hereditary cause.
Does every extra tooth require surgery?
No. Some extra teeth can be monitored if they are not causing complications. Removal may be recommended when the tooth interferes with eruption, damages neighboring structures, or creates other clinical concerns.
Can an extra tooth cause crowding?
Yes. An extra tooth can occupy space in the dental arch and contribute to displacement or crowding. However, crowding can have multiple causes, so a dentist must evaluate the overall alignment.
Is removing a supernumerary tooth painful?
Local anesthesia is commonly used to control pain during removal. The level of discomfort afterward depends on the tooth's position and the complexity of the procedure. Your dental team can explain the expected recovery and appropriate aftercare.
Will my teeth become straight after the extra tooth is removed?
Not always. Removing an obstruction may allow a permanent tooth to erupt more normally, but teeth that have already become displaced may require orthodontic treatment. Follow-up helps determine whether additional treatment is needed.
Understanding Extra Teeth Helps Protect Normal Dental Development
Supernumerary teeth can range from harmless additional teeth to obstructions that affect eruption, alignment, and neighboring structures.
Their presence does not automatically require removal. The decision depends on the tooth's position, its effect on the surrounding dentition, and the potential risks of leaving it in place.
At Pacha & Bijan Dental, a dental examination and appropriate imaging can help identify extra teeth and determine whether monitoring, treatment, or specialist referral is the most suitable approach.
Schedule a Dental Consultation in Maitland
Pacha & Bijan Dental
320 N Maitland Ave, Ste B
Maitland, FL 32751
📞 (407) 647-1346
🌐 www.bijandental.com
If you have noticed an extra tooth, unusual eruption, or unexplained crowding in your child's smile, contact Pacha & Bijan Dental to arrange an evaluation. Early identification can help clarify the cause and guide decisions about protecting healthy tooth development.
