Characteristics and sequelae of erupted supernumerary teeth: A study of 218 cases among Sri Lankan children.

AIM: In the present study, we investigated the characteristics and sequelae of erupted supernumerary teeth (ST) in a sample of Sri Lankan children.

METHODS

Data were recorded from patients' clinical records, radiographs, models, and extracted teeth.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 239 ST from 218 patients. The mean age of the sample was 9.08 ± 2.47 years. The male-to-female ratio was 2.8:1. The majority (42.66%) of patients with ST were in aged 8-10 years. Many (94.94%) of the ST were located in the premaxilla (incisor), followed by the canine (4.22%), premolar (0.42%), and molar (0.42%) regions. The most common shape of ST teeth was conical. Malocclusion (59.83%) was the major problem associated with ST, and the clinical impact was highest on the 8-10-year age group. A strong association was observed between patients' age and clinical impact to the dentition (χ2 =42.09, P=.000).

CONCLUSION

Because the majority of ST can lead to malocclusion, especially in mixed dentition, awareness, early detection, and timely clinical intervention of ST are recommended.