Anterior maxillary supernumerary teeth: a clinical and radiographic study

Clinical records and radiographs of 90 patients with 113 anterior maxillary supernumerary teeth (mesiodens) have been evaluated. Although uncommon, mesiodentes are the most frequent supernumerary teeth and may disturb the eruption and/or position of the adjacent permanent incisors. Clinical and radiographic examination may disclose the number, direction and location of mesiodentes and their effects on neighbouring teeth. In the present study the majority of the supernumerary teeth lay palatal to the central incisors. Complete or partial eruption of a mesiodens was rare, hence the importance of radiographs to locate supernumerary teeth in the premaxilla. Pathological findings included the formation of dentigerous cysts in three patients and complete ossification of the pericoronal space with resorption of the crown of the mesiodentes in eight cases. Retention and malposition of the adjacent permanent incisors occurred in 39 and 24 cases, respectively.