BACKGROUND

Supernumerary teeth (ST), also known as hyperdontia, is a condition in which more than the normal number of teeth are present in the series. The prevalence of ST varies between and within different populations. These teeth may cause various complications. The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of ST in Damascus inhabitants, Syria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out using retrospectively collected digital panoramic radiographs of 2753 patients (1047 males and 1706 females) ranging in age from 12.2 to 20.5 years between January 2012 and December 2014. These radiographs were obtained from private dental offices spread across Damascus, Syria. For each patient with ST, the demographic variables, number, location, type, position, morphology of ST, and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

ST were detected in 39 patients (1.4%), of whom 25 (64.1%) were males and 14 (35.9%) were females, with a male to female ratio of 1.8 : 1 (P<0.001). Mesiodens was the most prevalent ST (39.1%), followed by supernumerary premolars (28.3%), supernumerary laterals (26.1%), distomolars (4.3%), and paramolars (2.2%). This series includes cases with one and two ST. Of the 46 ST detected, 56.5% had a conical morphology, 89.1% were in a vertical position, and 19.6% were erupted. ST caused displacement of the adjacent teeth in 17 cases (37.0%) and the impaction of the permanent teeth in five cases (10.9%).

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The prevalence of ST in Damascus inhabitants was found to be 1.4%; the most frequent type was mesiodens. A conical morphology was found to be the most common form of ST. Displacement of permanent teeth is the most frequent complication. Further studies should be carried out on more representative samples of both the public and the private sector patients.