Prevalence of hyperdontia in nonsyndromic South Indian population: An institutional analysis

CONTEXT: Supernumerary teeth or hyperdontia is an additional tooth, teeth or tooth like structures that either have erupted or remain unerupted in addition to the 20 deciduous and 32 permanent teeth. Supernumerary teeth may occur in isolation or as part of a syndrome or developmental abnormality. AIMS: A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the prevalence of supernumerary teeth in a group of South Indian nonsyndromic population. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A total of 2400 radiographs were examined for the presence of supernumerary teeth. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All the radiographs were examined for the presence of supernumerary teeth, their location, morphology, and number. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Cross-tabulation using statistical analysis software (SPSS version 16). RESULTS: The study results showed the prevalence to be 1.2% with 44.83% of them having single supernumerary teeth. Their prevalence was more in males and the maxillary posterior region was the most common location. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about the supernumerary teeth is important for dental clinicians as they are relatively common but are detected as an incidental finding in a radiograph. A routine screening panoramic radiograph is mandatory for every patient to prevent the possible complications associated with it.