Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
Measuring Maxillary Posterior Tooth Movement: A Model Assessment using Palatal and Dental Superimposition
Published on: February 23, 2024
Prevalence of supernumerary teeth based on panoramic radiographs revisited
Robert P Anthonappa1, Nigel M King, A Bakr M Rabie
1Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Western Australia, Oral Health Centre of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. robert.anthonappa@uwa.edu.au
Purpose:
The purposes of this study were to: (1) identify, within the literature, reports on the prevalence of supernumerary teeth that have used panoramic radiographs (PRs) as a diagnostic tool; and (2) reanalyze the prevalence data based on the current sensitivity figures for PRs in identifying supernumerary teeth.
Methods:
A comprehensive literature search in three databases identified 16 potential studies, of which seven were included in the final analysis. Based on the recent sensitivity data for PRs in identifying supernumerary teeth, the equation "P=r/q" was derived to reanalyze the prevalence data. Multiple regression analysis and paired t test were employed for the statistical analysis.
Results:
The prevalence figure ranged from 1.2 percent to three percent, and, subsequent to the application of the adjustment factor, it increased to range from 2.4 percent to six percent. The prevalence figures for males was significantly higher than for females (RR=1.37). Furthermore, due to insufficient studies, statistical analysis was unable to elicit ethnical differences in the prevalence figures.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of supernumerary teeth is higher than indicated in the published reports and ranges from 2.4 percent to six percent or possibly even higher.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.