Occurrence of supernumerary molars in patients from the radiology clinic of Federal University of Ceará

Abstract

Hyperdontia is a dental anomaly, very common and widely studied, caused by excessive teeth in the oral cavity. This disturb represents an abnormal formation of one or more teeth in both dental arch. The diagnosis is normally based on conventional radiography exams, mainly panoramic radiographies, and in some cases, a computed tomography. In the present study, 1.325 panoramic radiographies were evaluated, all from patients seen by the Radiology Clinic of Federal University of Ceará, residents in Fortaleza, over the period from October 2007 to December 2008. The aim was to evaluate the occurrence of supernumerary molars. Twenty five patients presented supernumerary molars, 13 men and 12 women. However, it was not observed differences statistically significant (p= 0,5264). The occurrence in the maxilla was more common compared to the mandible. A considerable occurrence of supernumerary molars in the examined population was reported, reinforcing the importance of a premature diagnosis in this dental anomaly, in order to perform the treatment if necessary.