What does the term supernumerary teeth refer to?

The term supernumerary teeth refers specifically to teeth that are in excess of the normal count for a person. In a typical human dentition, an adult has 32 teeth, and any additional teeth beyond this number are categorized as supernumerary. These additional teeth can occur in various forms, such as extra incisors, molars, or premolars, and their presence can often lead to various dental complications, including crowding, misalignment, or impaction of adjacent teeth.

Understanding this concept is essential in dental assisting, as recognizing supernumerary teeth can have implications for a patient’s oral health management. The identification and potential treatment plan for these teeth are key skills in the dental assisting profession.