How to Chart Supernumerary Teeth: A Simple Guide
Table of Contents
What Are Extra Teeth?
Extra teeth, also called supernumerary teeth, are teeth that grow in your mouth in addition to your normal teeth. They can appear anywhere in your mouth, in both children and adults. These teeth may look like regular teeth or have unusual shapes.
Most people have 20 baby teeth and later 32 adult teeth. If you have supernumerary teeth, you have more than these numbers.
Types of Extra Teeth
There are different kinds of supernumerary teeth:
- Mesiodens: Grow in the middle of your front top teeth
- Paramolars: Grow next to your back teeth (molars)
- Distomolars: Grow at the very back of your mouth
- Supplemental teeth: Look like your normal teeth
Why Do We Need to Chart Extra Teeth?
It’s very important to record supernumerary teeth on a dental chart. Here’s why:
- Helps the dentist know the exact location of all teeth
- Prevents mistakes when teeth need to be removed
- Ensures accurate billing to insurance
- Creates a complete record of your dental history
Incorrect charting can lead to problems. For example, 1% of people in some African populations have at least one extra premolar tooth.
How Dentists Chart Extra Teeth
Dentists use specific methods to chart supernumerary teeth. Here’s how:
Tooth Numbering Systems
Dentists use two main systems to number teeth:
- FDI System: Uses two digits for each tooth (e.g., 11 for upper right central incisor)
- Universal System: Uses numbers 1-32 for adult teeth
For supernumerary teeth, dentists add a special mark like “S” or “SN” after the number. For example:
- 11-S: An extra tooth next to the upper right central incisor
- 51-SN: An extra baby tooth
Special Codes for Extra Teeth
When billing insurance, dentists use specific codes:
- ICD-10 Code: K00.1 for hyperdontia (the medical term for extra teeth)
- CDT Code: D7140 for extracting a simple supernumerary tooth
These codes ensure proper payment for treating extra teeth.
Pictures Help Find Extra Teeth
Dentists use imaging to locate supernumerary teeth:
- X-rays: Show teeth hidden under gums
- CBCT Scans: Provide 3D images to pinpoint exact locations
About 75% of supernumerary premolars remain unerupted (hidden under gums), making imaging essential.
Common Problems with Charting
Charting supernumerary teeth can have issues. Here are some problems and solutions:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Missing teeth near the back | Check far back areas carefully |
| Mixing up baby and extra teeth | Examine tooth shape and size |
| Wrong billing codes | Double-check codes for insurance |
| Teeth hidden under gums | Use high-quality X-rays or CBCT scans |
Incorrect charting can lead to 12% of insurance claims being denied, meaning the dentist might not get paid.
Real Cases of Extra Teeth
Case 1: Eight-Year-Old with Extra Front Tooth
An 8-year-old had issues with front teeth erupting. The dentist found a mesiodens (extra tooth in the middle), charted it as 11-S, and used code K00.1. After removal, the normal teeth erupted properly.
Case 2: Adult with Extra Canine Teeth
A 32-year-old had two supernumerary canine teeth in the lower jaw, unerupted. Using a CBCT scan, the dentist charted and coded them correctly, then extracted them to prevent damage to adjacent teeth.
Tools for Charting Extra Teeth
Dentists use these tools to track supernumerary teeth:
- Dental software (e.g., Dentrix, Eaglesoft)
- Tooth charts showing all teeth
- Dental coding manuals for accurate billing codes
About 23% of supernumerary teeth are found in adults over 18, so dentists must check for them at any age.
Important Facts About Extra Teeth
- People with conditions like cleidocranial dysplasia often have multiple supernumerary teeth
- Approximately 20% of those with this condition have hyperdontia
- Supernumerary teeth may require special care during dental procedures
- Custom mouth guards may need adjustments to fit over extra teeth
How Extra Teeth Affect Dental Work
Supernumerary teeth can impact dental treatment plans:
- Ceramic inlays and onlays: Must be designed to accommodate extra teeth
- Night guards for teeth grinding: Must fit over all teeth, including extras
- Partial dentures: Require modified designs to account for extra teeth
Questions People Ask About Extra Teeth
How do you bill for extra teeth that haven’t come through the gums?
Use code D7140 and provide X-ray evidence of the tooth.
Can extra teeth take the place of missing teeth?
Rarely. They often cause crowding instead.
Are extra teeth passed down in families?
Yes, they can be hereditary.
Do extra teeth need to be pulled out?
Not always. It depends on whether they cause issues.
What to Do If You Have Extra Teeth
If you suspect you have supernumerary teeth:
- Request a full mouth X-ray from your dentist
- Ensure all teeth are charted accurately
- Discuss whether extraction is necessary
- Keep detailed records of your dental work
Last Thoughts
Charting supernumerary teeth is critical for effective dental care. Proper charting ensures:
- Better treatment outcomes
- Accurate insurance billing
- Complete dental records
Since 75% of supernumerary premolars remain hidden under the gums, high-quality imaging and meticulous charting are essential.
If you think you might have extra teeth, ask your dentist for a thorough evaluation. They can guide you on the best care for your unique situation.
