[Evaluation of cone-beam CT in diagnosis of supernumerary teeth in the anterior maxilla].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the value of cone-beam CT (CBCT) in the diagnosis and orientation of supernumerary teeth in the anterior maxilla.

METHODS

195 supernumerary teeth in the anterior maxilla of 146 patients were included, which were examined by CBCT. The number, shape, size, 3-dimensional position, growth direction of the supernumeraries and their relationship with the neighboring teeth were analyzed.

RESULTS

The 146 patients aged from 5 to 39, and males were affected more than females in a ratio of 2.95:1. 102 (69.9%) patients had single supernumerary teeth. Of the 195 supernumerary teeth, 126 (64.6%) were near the middle line, 131 (67.2%) were conical, 51 (26.2%) were curved root, 98 (50.3%) were inverted and had a length of (11.97 +/- 2.40) mm. The supernumerary teeth often caused complications.

CONCLUSION

The position of the supernumerary teeth is varied in the maxilla, and often causes permanent dentition complications. CBCT imaging yields accurate 3-dimensional pictures of supernumerary teeth, local dental and bony structures, which is helpful for diagnosis and orientation of supernumerary teeth.