| Hyperdontia |
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The human body has different organs charged with different responsibilities. Among them, are teeth. Teeth are crucial organs that are of profound benefit to human body systems. They help in the digestion process. They also aid in speech and give shape to the face. However, all this depends on the type of condition the teeth are in. If their condition is normal, then the functions are well streamlined on one hand and they may malfunction if they are abnormal on the other. The normal condition of teeth is depended on: the morphology, setting, size and shape, the number, eruption time and healthy status of the teeth. Any deviation from the normal status may lead to malfunctioning or disease infections.
These are a number of diseases that affect teeth. Some are due to environmental factors, injuries and others genetic. Generally, hyponodonitia – less number of teeth, hyperdontia extra teeth than normal and Anodontia diseases exist. Hyperdontia is of concern. Hyperdontia is a condition where the number of teeth is more than the normal – 32 of teeth. These extra teeth number is commonly referred to as supernumerary teeth. The growth of the extra teeth can be on primary or permanent teeth. The occurrence of these additional teeth is usually between the incisors.
Forms of Hyperdontia
Forms of supernumerary teeth exist. Mesioden is the commonest of all. In this, the teeth affected have a ‘peg-like and malformed shape. Additionally, when hyperdontia occurs with primary teeth, the excess teeth grow in the middle of the incisor teeth. However, if the disease is on the permanent teeth, additional teeth grow on the side of the incisors.
Causes
Hyperdontia can be due to inheritance conditions or environmental factors. Generally, the disorder results due to gene fault. The autosormal dominant trait on gene 6 when faulted results to hyperdontia. The gene encodes protein substance, Care Binding Factor Alphal (CBFA1). The heterozygous state produces CCD phenotype and the homozygous state is lethal. Phenotypic features are among their hyperdontia; delayed closure of cranial fontanels (soft spots) short stature and many others. Environmentally, the disorder can occur. However, environmental cause factors are under research. Therefore, one cannot discuss this cause with certainty without scientific backup.
Population affected
There is no limited age that the disorder can be associated with. The disorder cuts across all ages from the young to the aged. Mostly, Chinese and South American populations are worst hit. This is according to survey research worldwide. In these regions 10-40% of the population are affected by hyperdontia compared to 0.01% - 0.09% in Western and Northern hemispheres.
Treatment
There are a number measures one can take to remedy the condition. The condition can be a nuisance especially to face concerned sensitive persons. Excessive teeth can be removed by a professionally qualified dentist. This is by way of rightly locating the teeth and removing it. If the wisdom teeth do not grow up to the age of fourteen years, then, consulting a dentist to ascertain whether he is having supernumerary tooth that hinders wisdom teeth growth is recommended.
Note: There are times when the excess tooth/teeth do not occur but affect the eruption and growth of neighboring teeth. Especially the molar hyperdontia that is rare hinders growth of the wisdom teeth. In serious cases, hyperdontia may result to serious diseases. Some of these are fatal. For instance: Cancer and Oral diseases. Cancer is fatal and hard to treat while oral disease(s) can be embarrassing. One feels uneasy having additional, excess teeth. Therefore avoiding the diseases is the only solution. This is, however, achieved through a professionally qualified doctor (dentist). Quacks may be a big disgrace and conditions may even worsen.
In conclusion, one should not mistake other disorders such as the ones mentioned earlier for hyperdontia. Seeking medical information and advice is fundamental in understanding dental, teeth care and keeping. Good dental number, shape and formation is great achievement in speech, digestion and shape of the face of an individual. Healthy teeth add value to your personality. |
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