Abnormal number of teeth
Knowledge of the normal number of teeth is helpful but not essential for the recognition of abnormal teeth or an abnormal number of teeth. Crowding from extra teeth, multiple missing teeth or the recognition of dissymmetry can be an indication of an abnormal number of teeth. In each situation, dental radiographs are very helpful for the diagnosis of the condition. An abnormal number of teeth may be clinically significant, functionally important or unimportant.
Supernumerary (extra) teeth, oligodontia (few teeth) and anodontia (no teeth) are all conditions with an abnormal number of teeth. Supernumerary teeth can cause crowding and predispose the pet to periodontal disease, create a malocclusion or result in teeth grinding. Supernumerary teeth are common in dogs especially of the incisors and premolar teeth. Supernumerary teeth are significantly less common in cats compared to dogs in our clinical experience, however they do occur as shown below in clinical cases.
Missing teeth must be confirmed with dental radiographs to make sure the tooth is not unerupted or impacted. Unerupted or impacted teeth can lead to dentigerous or radicular cysts. These cysts are typically nonpainful but they can be very locally destructive.
Some clinical cases
Cat with supernumerary (too many) premolar teeth.
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Cat; functionally significant supernumerary right third premolar tooth. This patient was "teeth grinding".
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Same cat as above viewed from inside the mouth.
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Same cat as above opposite site. This symmetrical occurance of supernumerary teeth suggests an inherited condition.
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The supernumerary teeth were extracted to avoid discomfort and teeth grinding.
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Dental radiograph right side before dental extraction of supernumerary tooth.
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Dental radiograph right side after dental extraction of supernumerary tooth.
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Dental radiograph of left side before dental extraction of supernumerary tooth.
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Dental radiograph of the left side after dental extraction of supernumerary tooth.
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The owner of the above cat was excited to report that the "teeth grinding" behavior ended after the supernumerary teeth were surgically removed. She also reported that the cat seems playful, more happy and has developed a remarkable purr never heard previously.
Small breeds of dogs commonly present with teeth
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This lower right premolar appears to be missing.
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Dental radiograph demonstrating a malpositioned, embedded first premolar tooth.
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...that appear to be missing that have failed to erupt.
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Photograph of the clinical appearance of the embedded premolar tooth.
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Same dog, with the same presentation on the lower left premolar area.
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Dental radiograph confirms the embedded tooth.
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Clinical photo of embeded tooth. Check out oral cysts for more information.
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Dog with abnormal tooth development. This dog had multiple problems. Incomplete "twinning" upper incisor.
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Mixed dentition (baby and adult teeth) with supernumerary left upper fourth premolar tooth.
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Supernumerary secondary (adult) left upper fourth premolar tooth (close up view).
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Dog with supernumerary upper fourth premolar tooth. Dog having persistent primary teeth.
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Persistent primary (baby) teeth with secondary (adult) teeth is evident.
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Persistent primary (baby) teeth result in crowding and malocclusion.
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The supernumerary incisor was removed to stop trauma to the lower teeth.
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Supernumerary Teeth = abnormal extra tooth. Rottweiler with supernumerary upper incisor.
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