It’s quite common to encounter strange happenings in your mouth, but the emergence of extra teeth in your gums may lead to some fear. Also known as supernumerary teeth, the existence of the extra teeth can, at times, catch the attention of kids as well as adults. In this blog, we’ll seek to uncover the factors resulting in extra teeth growing in the gums, the symptoms that one should be aware of, and the available treatment methods.
What Are Extra Teeth Growing in Gums?
Extra teeth, or supernumerary teeth, are defined as teeth that manifest in addition to the normal set of teeth. These extra growths can develop in any part of the mouth, but have a tendency of being in between the upper front teeth (the incisors). These extra teeth can appear in childhood or adulthood, and they can be a source of different problems like crowding, misalignment, as well as impaction (when a tooth fails to emerge completely from the gums).
Causes of Extra Teeth Growing in the Gums
The specific reason for extra teeth growing in the gums is not usually straightforward, but a few factors might lead to the problem:
1. Genetics
Family history plays an important role when it comes to the formation of extra teeth. If a parent or sibling had supernumerary teeth, you have a higher likelihood of experiencing similar problems. In genetic heredity, the change in some genes can actually lead to irregularities in tooth development, which in turn result in the formation of extra teeth.
2. Developmental Abnormalities
Supernumerary teeth may also develop as a result of issues in the growth and development of teeth from childhood, as well as infancy. In a number of instances, the extra teeth are observed to grow when the process of normal tooth development is interfered with, thereby resulting in the growth of additional or irregular teeth. This is more common when the timing of the tooth development process is still early.
3. Cleft Lip and Palate
For people who were born with cleft lips or palates, extra teeth can sometimes develop in the gums. These congenital conditions act in an irregular manner when it comes to the normal development of teeth. In some cases, supernumerary teeth, which are extra teeth, are formed as a result of these conditions. These teeth can either be in the upper or lower jaws and may pose problems with normal tooth alignment and jaw growth. The treatment of these anomalies may include orthodontic correction and surgery.
4. Other Syndromes
Certain very infrequent genetic disorders, e.g., Gardner’s syndrome, or if you like, cleidocranial dysplasia, are the reasons for some types of teeth being developed, the so-called hyperdontia. The number of extra teeth may be one of many symptoms caused by this issue.
Symptoms of Extra Teeth Growing in the Gums
Do you know the symptoms of supernumerary teeth growing in your gums? We will list them for you.
Often, if there are no orthodontic problems, extra teeth do not produce any apparent symptoms. However, there are quite a few common symptoms that may signal the existence of supernumerary teeth:
- Postponed or Irregular Tooth Eruption: Your teeth are late to arrive. This fact may result in the presence of teeth that are blocking further eruption of other teeth.
- Throbbing Pain or Discomfort: The pressure or irritation one tooth can inflict on another if it pushes against it will end up being the main source of pain experienced when there are supernumerary teeth.
- Entire Visualized Tooth or Bumps in the Gums: One way that supernumerary teeth can present is the existence of small bumpy or rough patches in the gum tissue or that exist along with the presence of other visible teeth beside those gums.
- Social Distancing or Bad Positioning: So really, extra teeth may be a major cause of malocclusion and having overpopulated teeth in the same space, making it difficult for people to eat, talk, as well as maintain a good oral hygiene standard.
How Are Extra Teeth Diagnosed?
If you assume that there are more teeth in your gums than usual, you need to make an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist will be checking the following during the examination:
- X-ray: X-rays are needed to examine the condition of teeth that cannot be completely seen in the mouth. Your dentist will see all the supernumerary teeth as well as their positions on the X-ray report.
- Identification in a clinic: Your dentist may conduct a visual examination to check if there are any abnormal growths or the presence of any extra teeth in the gums.
Treatment Options for Extra Teeth Growing in the Gums
When the additional teeth become a problem, it is necessary to seek treatment that can be done depending on how serious the issue is. There are common ways to get rid of the additional teeth.
1. Extraction
In the event that the supernumerary teeth are creating pain, crowding, or malocclusion, their removal might be indicated. Then the doctor would be very gentle while getting rid of the supplementary teeth so as to relieve the present distress and also save the surrounding teeth from being damaged.
2. Orthodontic Treatment
One treatment option might be to use orthodontic treatment if the extra teeth are not urgent but are surely the cause of the various teeth unfavorable movement. Then the dentist may suggest using braces to move the teeth back to their regular position after removing the extra teeth.
3. Observation
In case the extra teeth are found to have no immediate impact and are not at all causing any discouragement to other teeth, the best a dentist could do is to advise that you keep on monitoring the progress from time to time. It is only regular dental check-ups that can help the dentist follow the growth and evolution of your teeth.
4. Surgical Removal
When the overcount of teeth has reached a degree where they are deeply situated in the tissue and create severe problems, surgical removal might be an option. This is a procedure that needs anesthesia, and the patient will take some time to recover.
Can Extra Teeth Grow Back?
After the removal of supernumerary teeth, they cannot regrow. Through regular dental visits, the dentist will check on this, and it is crucial to ensure that the future growth is minimized by early detection of re-formed teeth.
Supernumerary Teeth Prevention
It is not possible to completely prevent the formation of supernumerary teeth in the gums, but you can take certain measures to maintain good oral health and regular dental visits to detect any abnormalities in their early stages. If extra teeth are common in your family or you suffer from a disease that increases the risk, then it is worthwhile to make your dental care preventive.
At Lema Dental Clinic, we have our focus set on a wide range of dental services that include the diagnosis and treatment of extra teeth appearing in your gums. Our team of professionals makes extensive use of the latest technology to identify and manage supernumerary teeth, guaranteeing the successful resolution of your oral health problems. Whenever you want to know the types of dental problems you may be having, one of the best choices is to book an appointment for consultation with our center, where we will provide you with the necessary guidance and healthcare.
FAQs About Extra Teeth Growing in Gums
Extra teeth are called supernumerary teeth. They grow where normal teeth grow. They can come up in all parts of the mouth. They cause problems like crowding or not fitting in properly.
Extra teeth can happen due to genes or birth issues. If family members have them, one might be able to have them too. Some syndromes make it more likely to have extra teeth, like Gardner’s syndrome.
It may initially be tough to identify the presence of extra teeth, particularly if they are hiding under the gum. The dentist can identify the supernumerary teeth through X-ray examination if these teeth are not visible. Findings such as delayed tooth eruption, pain or pressure in the gums, visible bumpy or swollen gum line, or misaligned or crowded teeth can be common signs to look for when diagnosing.
If the extra teeth are problematic, such as causing crowding, misalignment, or pain, they will usually be the first option for extraction by a dentist. In those cases when the teeth are not the cause of any immediate issues, observation might be recommended. Sometimes you may need to use orthodontic treatment like braces after the teeth are removed to set the alignment straight.
