Mesiodens

The presence of an extra supernumerary tooth in the central position of the upper or lower jaw is called mesiodens. These teeth can be present as part of a syndrome or can be found as an isolated finding. Mesiodens is the most frequently found extra tooth, with a prevalence in the general population of 0.15-1.9%, and with a higher frequency in males than females. Usually the shape is conical and mesiodens is smaller than the neighbour incisor. Several hypotheses have been suggested for the formation of supemumerary teeth. Early diagnosis and treatment are needed to support right dental occlusion. (c) 2007 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.