Four Fourth Molars

Abstract

A supernumerary tooth is an additional entity to the normal series and can be seen in any of the quadrants of the jaw. Very often, they are associated with syndromes, such as Gardner syndrome and cleidocranial dysplasia. In the absence of any syndromes, occurrence of multiple supernumerary teeth is rare. Supernumerary molars can be in the form of paramolars or distomolars of which distomolars are relatively rare with a reported incidence of 2%. We present a rare nonsyndromic case of four fourth molars in addition to an impacted maxillary canine. The treatment of supernumerary teeth depends on the current and possible effects on the adjacent teeth, the position of the tooth itself, and the likelihood of the development of pathologic conditions. Very often distomolars are treated as one treats the third molars. We also suggest a possible association between macrodontia and hyperdontia.