Question 1: Answer

The presence of a supernumerary tooth, impeding the eruption of the central incisor

The best radiographs to take are:

  • Periapicals
  • Panoramic radiographs

 

A panoramic radiograph showing the vertical position of the supernumerary tooth

  • Vertex occlusal

The vertex occlusal radiograph has the advantage that it will demonstrate the exact position of the supernumerary tooth in relation to the incisors, much better than if the a tube shift technique is used.  This is essential when surgery is to be performed.   It has the disadvantage that an 90kV x-ray machine is required to take the radiograph. Unfortunately, most dental surgery machines are only capable of 70kV.

The vertex occlusal is the best radiograph to accurately identify the horizontal position of the supernumerary, which in 95% of cases will lie palatal to the central incisor.

Treatment involves surgical removal of the supernumerary and allowing natural eruption of the central incisor.  Space mainentance may be required to prevent mesial migration of the lateral incisor.  Often, the central incisor is so displaced that it requires a subsequent surgical procedure ot surgically expose the tooth.  This may be done in conjunction with the bonding of an orthodontic appliance.


In this case, a gold chain is bonded to the tooth 21.  The chain has been spot welded to a stainless steel mesh which facilitates bonding using standard orthodontic bonding resin.  The flap is primarily closed and fixed orthodontic appliances after one month.  Traction is applied with power thread onto the chain and the tooth is brought into the arch through keratinised mucosa to ensure adequate periodontal health.

Other conditions presenting with multiple supernumerary teeth include:

  • Cleidocranial dysplasia
  • Gardner's syndrome