Characteristics and sequelae of erupted supernumerary teeth: A study of 218 cases among Sri Lankan children.

AIM: In the present study, we investigated the characteristics and sequelae of erupted supernumerary teeth (ST) in a sample of Sri Lankan children.

METHODS: Data were recorded from patients' clinical records, radiographs, models, and extracted teeth.

RESULTS: The sample consisted of 239 ST from 218 patients. The mean age of the sample was 9.08 ± 2.47 years. The male-to-female ratio was 2.8:1. The majority (42.66%) of patients with ST were in aged 8-10 years. Many (94.94%) of the ST were located in the premaxilla (incisor), followed by the canine (4.22%), premolar (0.42%), and molar (0.42%) regions. The most common shape of ST teeth was conical. Malocclusion (59.83%) was the major problem associated with ST, and the clinical impact was highest on the 8-10-year age group. A strong association was observed between patients' age and clinical impact to the dentition (χ2 =42.09, P=.000).

CONCLUSION: Because the majority of ST can lead to malocclusion, especially in mixed dentition, awareness, early detection, and timely clinical intervention of ST are recommended.