Hyperdontia is the condition of having supernumerary teeth, or teeth that appear in addition to the regular number of teeth. They can appear in any area of the dental arch and can affect any dental organ. The exact cause of hyperdontia is unknown, but it seems to be associated with several hereditary conditions. Many supernumerary teeth never erupt, but they may delay eruption of nearby teeth or cause other dental or orthodontic problems. Molar-type extra teeth are the most common type.
If extra teeth that have emerged through the gumline and are visible and easily accessible, a simple extraction may be the only treatment required to remove them. If the supernumerary teeth are impacted below the gumline, hyperdontia surgery may be needed to remove them.