What Are Rare Dental Disorders I Haven’t Heard Of?

Have you ever heard of a vaquita? Maybe not. It’s the smallest species of porpoise and currently the rarest animal in the world with an estimated wild population of 10. That’s unfortunate, of course, but it explains why you didn’t know what it is. On another adverse note, there are some rare oral health problems in West Hartford that can cause trouble for children and require professional treatment. Keep reading to learn from your dentist about some likely new-to-you teeth conditions that the occasional child must face.

Talon Cusps

This refers to a growth shaped like a cone that can develop in the back of a tooth. Several oral health concerns can arise due to a talon cusp, including plaque buildup between the cusp and the host tooth, crowding of the mouth, a “bad bite,” or irritation of the tongue, cheeks, or gums. Dentists are careful when dealing with a talon cusp since it may or may not contain tooth pulp. Usually, the cusp is ground down, but if it does contain pulp, it could require the child to have a root canal. This is a condition that can also develop in adults.

Hyperdontia

Also known as supernumerary teeth, this disorder relates to having too many teeth. This most commonly relates to one extra tooth on the top row. Instead of erupting, the extra teeth will develop in the gum. That’s a problem because it can delay the eruption of other teeth and cause crooked teeth due to overcrowding. This condition usually calls for tooth extraction, but sometimes orthodontic treatment will suffice. 

Anodontia

This is a genetic disorder that causes some or all teeth to never form. It is more likely to affect permanent teeth but can affect baby teeth. Dentists are more likely to see cases of partial anodontia, which means some teeth form but at least one tooth is missing. Complete anodontia is especially rare, but in that case, none of a patient’s adult teeth form. Oligodontia specifically refers to six or more teeth missing due to anodontia. Hypodontia is the term for 1-5 teeth not developing.

These are all genetic disorders with no cure. If you suspect your child may have anodontia, it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible for the benefit of the child’s facial structure, oral health, and ability to breathe, speak, and eat. The dentist may recommend dentures or a dental bridge depending on your child’s needs.

Germinated Teeth

When two teeth develop from a single bud, they are said to be germinated. It causes a disfigured tooth that may be very large because it has only one root but two chambers of tooth pulp. Problems associated with germinated teeth include overcrowding, bite misalignment, or tooth decay in the location where the chambers join. Dentists generally recommend leaving the germinated tooth alone to see if it will fall out naturally, assuming it isn’t too wide. If it is overcrowding adjacent teeth, extraction may be required.

These rare oral health problems in West Hartford can’t be predicted, but they can usually be treated to ensure your child is happy and healthy. The key is to seek help from your child’s dentist as soon as possible if you suspect they may have one of these conditions.

About the Practice

At West Hartford Dental Group, we take a caring approach to performing high-quality dentistry. Our team includes a board-certified prosthodontist and a certified periodontist. We offer flexible payment options and a new patient special. If you have further questions about any of the rare conditions discussed in this post, you can ask one of our dentists about cases they are familiar with during the next dental cleaning and exam for you or your child. You can make an appointment on our website or by calling (860) 236-4249.