22 Supernumerary Teeth Removed from Chennai Teen

Unusual Case Discovered at Saveetha Dental College

INDIA: Surgeons at Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals in Chennai, India, have successfully removed 22 impacted supernumerary teeth from a 17-year-old girl. The patient initially sought treatment for malaligned teeth, but routine X-rays revealed a far more complex situation.

Dr. Rubin S. John, who led the surgical team alongside Dr. Goutham Vijayakumar, stated, “This case is extremely unusual and noteworthy. While extra teeth, known as hyperdontia, can vary in number and location, having 22 extra teeth is exceptionally rare.”

Understanding Hyperdontia

Hyperdontia, the condition of having extra teeth, is typically discovered during routine dental X-rays or when patients experience symptoms such as misaligned teeth, discomfort, or difficulty in chewing. The number of extra teeth can vary, but cases with such a high number are infrequent.

“Treatment often involves surgically removing the extra teeth, especially if they cause problems with function or appearance,” explained Dr. Vijayakumar. In this case, the extra teeth were embedded in the patient’s bone, causing significant misalignment of her existing teeth.

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Surgical Procedure and Success

The complex surgery was performed under general anesthesia in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals. The surgical team successfully removed all 22 supernumerary teeth, addressing the root cause of the patient’s dental misalignment.

A spokesperson from the hospital commented, “The successful surgery performed by our team of doctors highlights the advancements in dental surgery and our ability to handle complex cases effectively.”

Implications for Dental Research and Practice

While this case is unique due to the high number of extra teeth, it serves as a valuable contribution to the field of dentistry. It underscores the importance of thorough dental examinations and the potential for hidden dental anomalies.

The case at Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, part of Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), may provide valuable insights for dental researchers and practitioners worldwide, potentially leading to improved diagnostic and treatment protocols for similar cases in the future.

As dental professionals continue to encounter and successfully treat such rare cases, it reinforces the rapid advancements in oral and maxillofacial surgery, promising better outcomes for patients with complex dental conditions.

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