Mesiodens in primary, mixed and permanent dentitions: a clinical and radiographic study

The term mesiodens refers to a supernumerary tooth located between the maxillary central incisors. The aim of the study was to investigate the characteristics of mesiodens among children in Turkey. The study population involved 24 children who attended the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Ege University for dental problems. The characteristics of mesiodens were obtained from clinical and radiographic examinations. Results showed that twenty-four patients had thirty-four mesiodens for an average of 1.42 mesiodens per person. Males were affected approximately 3 times more frequently in comparison with females. Forty-two percent of the patients had bilateral mesiodens. All of the mesiodens were conical in shape and 91% were in the downward position. The age and sex distribution, location, direction, eruption of mesiodens and effects on permanent maxillary incisors were also presented in this study. It could be concluded that, delayed, ectopic or asymmetric eruption of the central incisors should alert the clinician to the possibility of a mesiodens.