Multiple fourth molars: surgical treatment in young patient

Resumo

The abnormal development of one or more teeth
exceeding the number considered normal is defined as hyperdontia,
or supernumerary teeth. Supernumerary teeth are usually diagnosed
by routine radiographs, because in most cases they are asymptomatic
and do not erupt. The prevalence of supernumerary teeth is low,
ranging between 0.1 and 3.8%. Objective: To report a case of multiple
non-erupted fourth molars. Case report: Patient M.N.S, 16 years old,
female, leucoderma, in good health status attended the dental clinic
referred by the orthodontist. On panoramic radiography, the germs
of the teeth #18, #28, #38 and #48 were detected and retained.
Also, the presence of three forth molars distally to the teeth #18,
#28 and #38 were observed. The surgical removal of all third and
fourth molars was performed under local anesthesia, in two steps:
left and right sides. The patient has been followed for 1 year. Fourth
molar prevalence is higher in males (2:1), differing from the patient
of this case report. A few cases of multiple supernumerary teeth in
non-syndromic patients are reported in the literature. Conclusion:
Both early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent
crowding, failure of eruption, displacement of teeth, impairment of
orthodontic treatment, gingivitis, and formation of abscess, cysts,
and odontogenic tumors.