Radiographic diagnosis of supernumerary premolars: case reviews

The literature reported prevalence of supernumerary teeth within the mandible and maxilla varies from 0.2-0.9%. This study reviews the formation and diverse clinical appearances of supernumerary premolars. We present case reports where supernumerary teeth were recognized as incidental findings during routine radiographic examination in patients with an age range of five to thirty-nine years. Cases are presented to illustrate that the initiation and development of supernumerary premolars are often delayed by a magnitude of years. Periodic examination is recommended for occurrence and clinical behavior. In the presented cases, displacement and resorption of the adjacent teeth was not evidenced. None of the supernumerary teeth demonstrated cystic transformation. The importance of differential radiographic diagnosis is discussed.