Supernumerary Teeth: Causes of Pain and Treatment Options

How long are the teeth beneath the permanent teeth?

Hello Dr.
Huang,
In 2013, I experienced pain in the upper right back tooth, and a CT scan confirmed the presence of a supernumerary tooth located beneath the second molar (this supernumerary tooth is not a wisdom tooth, as my upper right wisdom tooth has already been extracted).
The dentist at that time advised that if I wanted to remove this supernumerary tooth, I would also have to extract the second molar, so if the pain was bearable, it was recommended to postpone any treatment.
Over the years, I have often suspected that the supernumerary tooth was the cause of the pain in my upper right teeth, but recently, the pain in that area has become more frequent and severe.
I found online that it seems others with supernumerary teeth do not experience pain.
I would like to ask:
1.
After 7 years since its discovery, can a supernumerary tooth truly continue to exert pressure on the permanent teeth and cause pain?
2.
The second molar has undergone root canal treatment and has had a crown for nearly 15 years.
Recently, I noticed that dental floss tends to get stuck when I use it, leading me to suspect that there might be a lack of proper sealing.
Additionally, sometimes that area can hurt for several days (I am unsure if this is due to bacteria causing inflammation or related to the supernumerary tooth).
The dentist who placed the crown used a probe to check and concluded that there was no lack of sealing.
This dentist is not very fond of using X-rays for diagnosis; should I seek a second opinion at another dental clinic for an X-ray examination?
I would greatly appreciate any response you can provide.
Thank you!

Mr. Huang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/04

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry

Dear Mr.
Huang,
Hello! Pain is fundamentally the most important indicator and is subjective in nature.
From a physician's perspective, a thorough examination is necessary, including visual inspection, percussion, electrical testing, X-rays, and other objective assessments.
Take care of yourself! Wishing you peace and smoothness in everything!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Huang Ting-Fang, Dentistry

Reply Date: 2020/08/04

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding your dental health, particularly about the supernumerary tooth and the associated pain. I understand that this has been a long-standing issue for you, and I appreciate the opportunity to provide some insights.

1. Supernumerary Teeth and Pain: Supernumerary teeth, which are extra teeth that develop in addition to the normal set, can indeed cause discomfort. They may exert pressure on adjacent teeth, leading to pain or discomfort, especially if they are positioned in a way that disrupts the alignment of your existing teeth. Over time, the presence of a supernumerary tooth can lead to complications such as crowding, misalignment, or even decay in neighboring teeth. In your case, the pain you are experiencing could be attributed to the supernumerary tooth pressing against the second molar, particularly if it is positioned close to the roots or if it is causing inflammation in the surrounding gum tissue.

2. Root Canal Treatment and Crown Integrity: You mentioned that your second molar has undergone root canal treatment and has been fitted with a crown for nearly 15 years. It is not uncommon for crowns to become loose or for the underlying tooth structure to develop issues over time. If you are experiencing discomfort when using dental floss, it could indicate that there is a gap between the crown and the tooth, allowing bacteria to enter and potentially cause an infection. While your previous dentist did not find any issues with the crown's fit, it may be prudent to seek a second opinion, especially if you are experiencing persistent pain. A new X-ray could provide valuable information regarding the health of the tooth and the surrounding bone structure.

3. Next Steps: Given the increasing frequency and severity of your pain, I recommend scheduling an appointment with a dental professional who is willing to conduct a thorough examination, including X-rays. This will help determine whether the supernumerary tooth is indeed the source of your discomfort or if there are other underlying issues, such as an infection or complications related to the crown. If the supernumerary tooth is confirmed to be causing problems, your dentist may discuss options for extraction, which could alleviate the pain and prevent further complications.

4. Management of Pain: In the meantime, managing your pain is essential. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and discomfort. However, it is crucial to address the underlying cause of the pain rather than relying solely on medication.

5. Monitoring and Follow-Up: Keep a close watch on your symptoms. If you notice any swelling, increased pain, or changes in your bite, seek dental care promptly. Regular check-ups are vital, especially when dealing with complex dental issues like supernumerary teeth and previous root canal treatments.

In conclusion, while supernumerary teeth can cause pain, it is essential to have a comprehensive evaluation to determine the exact cause of your discomfort. Seeking a second opinion and possibly new imaging will provide clarity and help you make informed decisions about your dental health. Please do not hesitate to reach out for further assistance or clarification on any of these points.

Wishing you the best in your dental journey.

Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

[Your Contact Information]

Similar Q&A

Understanding the Impact of Supernumerary Teeth on Oral Health

Hello Dr. Lin, Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with a supernumerary tooth at the root of my second-to-last upper right tooth (which had undergone root canal treatment and a crown many years ago) through an oral CT scan. The doctor at the hospital indicated that if I wanted to a...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: Regarding your concern, the supernumerary tooth is located at the root of the second-to-last tooth, while your area of discomfort is at the third-to-last tooth. It is recommended that you first address the root canal treatment for the third-to-last tooth. If the pain subsi...

Understanding Supernumerary Teeth and Cysts: What to Expect from Surgery

Recently, I had a full-mouth X-ray and discovered that there are two additional teeth growing beneath the normal teeth in the lower front area (within the gums), and there is a shadow at the bottom of these two extra teeth. The dentist said that this is a cyst and it is already e...

Dr. Chu Boqin reply Dentistry
Hello Winnie: After being diagnosed by a dentist, it was found that there are supernumerary teeth in the mandible. If there are clinical symptoms of discomfort, it is certainly advisable to remove the supernumerary teeth immediately and request a pathological diagnosis. If there ...

Common Dental Issues: Pain, Treatment Options, and Orthodontic Concerns

I would like to ask the following questions. Thank you! 1. The three dental crowns (bridge) on the left side have been in place for 8 years. Recently, one of them has been causing pain when biting, even though the nerve has already been treated. Why is there still pain? 2. If...

Dr. Cao Guoqing reply Dentistry
Dear Miss Zhenzhen, The source of tooth pain is not solely due to nerve inflammation; periodontal tissues can also cause pain. To treat this, it is necessary to remove the dental braces, which will be covered by insurance, and they will need to be redone. Regarding orthodontics,...

Understanding Supernumerary Teeth: Risks and Removal Options

Hello, doctor: I have an extra tooth behind my front tooth (in the maxilla)! Previously, a dental clinic suggested that I go to a provincial hospital for extraction. Is the extraction more complicated, which is why they recommended I go to a larger hospital? Are there any associa...

Dr. Wang Cunzhen reply Dentistry
Hello, Mer maid: The extraction of supernumerary teeth in the anterior region typically requires a minor surgical procedure, and the difficulty level must be determined through clinical judgment and X-ray diagnosis. Since this is a surgical procedure, most general practitioners a...