Histological Evaluation and Management of Rare Case of Supernumerary “Ghost” Teeth

Dino Re,Laura Buccarella,Elena Canciani,Claudia Dellavia,Marilisa Toma,Corinne Poli,Andrea Carlo Butti

doi:10.1155/2017/1965078

Dino Re, Laura Buccarella + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/1965078

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Abstract

Supernumerary teeth are teeth that exceed the normal dental formula. Their prevalence in the permanent dentition is 1–14% and they occur more frequently in maxilla with a sex ratio of 2 : 1 in favor of males. They are often associated with syndromes but there are examples of nonsyndromic multiple supernumerary teeth reported in the literature. CBCT is usually the best exam for radiographic diagnosis and treatment planning, because it provides 3D information about location and morphology of supernumerary teeth. This paper reports a rare case of four supernumerary teeth in a nonsyndromic 9-year-old boy. The peculiarity of this case is that two more exceeding teeth were found during surgical procedure. After extraction, all the teeth underwent a histological undecalcified processing for light microscopical examination. The two “ghost” supernumerary teeth seemed to be primordial dental germs, possibly resulting from an altered odontogenic process. After supernumerary teeth extraction, X-rays and exfoliation monitoring are recommended, since permanent retained teeth often erupt naturally or, at least, improve their condition. Radiographic follow-up is also useful in order to assess the formation of further teeth due to the hyperactivity of the dental lamina.

Highlights

Supernumerary teeth may be defined as any teeth or tooth substance in excess of the usual configuration of primary or permanent dental formula [1]
The orthodontic treatment should include the monitoring of the eruption before the disimpaction of the retained permanent tooth
This case report seems to confirm the existence of odontogenic hyperactive lamina in nonsyndromic patients that may alter the normal development or eruption of permanent teeth with eventual skeletal abnormalities during growth

Summary

Introduction

Supernumerary teeth may be defined as any teeth or tooth substance in excess of the usual configuration of primary or permanent dental formula [1]. They are less common in the primary dentition than in the permanent one and males are affected approximately twice than females [2]. According to literature, their prevalence in permanent dentition is 1–14% [3]. Supernumerary teeth are often associated with syndromes such as the Gardner syndrome, the Crouzon’s disease, the Fabry-Anderson syndrome, the Ehler-Danlos syndrome, the Hallermann-Streiff syndrome, and facial fissures or cleidocranial dysplasia [3]

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