Characteristics of posterior supernumerary teeth: An epidemiological study

OBJECTIVES. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence, prevalence, sex difference, topography and morphology of Posterior Supernumerary Teeth (PST) in the Italian Caucasian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Records of 20,398 young patients were evaluated. Only data relating to supernumerary teeth in the posterior region of the jaws were analysed. The diagnosis of hyperdontia was formulated during the clinical and/or X-ray examination. All patients included in the study were in the permanent dentition and were in possession of one panoramic radiograph. RESULTS. 50 posterior supernumerary teeth were found in 37 patients. The prevalence was of 0.18%. The mean age of those 37 patients was 21±3; 25 were males and 12 females (ratio of 2:1). The PST were more frequently found in the maxilla (62%) than in the mandible; over half of them were located in the upper arch (54%); paramolars (63%) were more common than distomolars; supernumerary (60%) were more frequent than supplemental teeth (40%); tuberculate shape was the most frequent (60%). CONCLUSIONS. Epidemiological studies on supernumerary teeth are useful for an early and correct diagnosis. Early detection allows for measures against complications and more successful therapy.