Recurring mandibular supplemental premolars

A Review of Supernumerary Teeth in the Premolar Region

Supernumerary teeth in the premolar region, unlike other supernumeraries, occur more often in the mandible where they are generally of the supplemental type. Occasionally, they are conical or smaller than normal, particularly in the upper premolar regions. They might occur singly or in multiples, be erupted or impacted, but the majority have been found to be unerupted and asymptomatic. The prevalence of supernumerary teeth in the premolar region has been demonstrated to be between 0.01 and 1 percent depending on the population studied. Interestingly, populations from the East or Africa are known to be the most affected. Various theories have been suggested to explain the etiology of supernumerary teeth in general including both genetic and environmental factors. Furthermore, it has been suggested that supernumerary premolar teeth belong to a third (postpermanent) series, developing from extensions of the dental lamina. Several consequences can result from the presence of supernumerary premolars, especially in the mandible, such as cyst formation, transposition, and other clinical scenarios.

Late developing supernumerary premolars: reports of two cases

This paper presents two cases of late developing supernumerary premolars. Case 1 is a female patient with nonsyndromic multiple supernumerary teeth located in the maxillary right premolar-molar region, maxillary left premolar region, and the mandibular right and left premolar regions. In this patient surgical removal of all supernumerary teeth was carried out to avoid complications during orthodontic treatment. Case 2 is a female aged 19 years in whom formation of a mandibular supernumerary premolar was observed which was not present at age 13. The patient was made aware of the supernumerary tooth presence, and periodic radiographic assessment was planned.

Late developing supernumerary teeth in the mandible

This paper presents two cases in which supplemental premolars were an incidental finding. Although anomalies of tooth number and form are quite common, both cases demonstrate late forming supernumeraries with one case illustrating their development in a more unusual site. It is not routine practice to screen for late development of teeth during orthodontic treatment. Therefore the possibility of their interference with occlusal development or orthodontic mechanics such as space closure, should always be kept in mind.

Multiple supernumeraries: the importance of clinical and radiographic follow-up

The occurrence of multiple supernumerary teeth is a rare phenomenon. Three cases of multiple supernumeraries are presented which illustrate problems which may arise during long-term follow-up: resorption of adjacent teeth, enlargement of the follicles, movement of the unerupted teeth and development of further supernumeraries. These cases highlight the importance of adequate initial surveillance, anticipation of potential problems, assessing the risk-benefits of surgery and long-term monitoring, in some cases following the surgical removal of supernumeraries.

Occurrence of a postpermanent mandibular fourth premolar in a moose bull (Alces alces L.)

By a number of diagnostic criteria a supplemental premolar in the right hemimandible of a 6-yr-old moose bull from Bielorussia was identified as a postpermanent fourth premolar. Its development, which must have started at least 3 yr after the permanent fourth premolar had reached its functional position, resulted in rotation of the P4 by 80 degrees, as well as extensive resorption on both root and crown.