The case, reported by doctors at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil, was published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics in early July.
The patient, an 11-year-old girl, initially visited the dentist to have a remaining baby tooth extracted from her upper jaw. However, the subsequent X-ray stunned the medical team. The girl had a total of 81 teeth: 18 baby teeth, 32 permanent teeth, and 31 supernumerary teeth.
This phenomenon is called "multiple hyperdontia," a rare developmental anomaly where a person has more than the usual number of teeth (32 in adults). "In most cases, people have only a few extra teeth, but having 31 supernumerary teeth is unprecedented in someone without associated genetic syndromes," the research team noted.
Doctors performed a CT scan to pinpoint the location of the teeth and rule out syndromes often linked to this condition, such as cleft lip and palate, cleidocranial dysplasia, and Gardner syndrome. The girl also underwent chromosomal testing at the Cortes Villela laboratory.
Results revealed an inversion in chromosome 9, an uncommon genetic variation. However, it's currently unclear whether this is directly related to the unusual number of teeth.
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X-ray of the upper and lower jaw of the girl with multiple hyperdontia. Photo: Ajodo |
X-ray of the upper and lower jaw of the girl with multiple hyperdontia. Photo: Ajodo
The patient's mother has thalassemia, but doctors found no clear genetic link between this condition and her daughter's supernumerary teeth.
Dentally, the girl's situation presents treatment challenges. Removing all supernumerary teeth requires careful planning to avoid jawbone damage. Some unerupted teeth are also deformed, making it difficult to distinguish between normal and supernumerary teeth.
According to the authors, the treatment plan requires a coordinated team of specialists, including maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, periodontists, and prosthodontists. The goal is to restore chewing function, ensure aesthetics, and maintain healthy jaw structure for the girl's future.
This case has garnered attention not only within the medical community but also from the public. It highlights the diversity of the human body and emphasizes the importance of regular dental checkups, especially for children, to detect and address any abnormalities early on.
Thuc Linh (AjoDo)
