HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What describes an excess number of supernumerary teeth?

1. Hyperdontia

2. Apedodontia

3. Macrodontia

4. Anodontia

The correct answer is: Hyperdontia

Hyperdontia describes the condition characterized by the presence of an excess number of teeth beyond the normal complement. This includes both supernumerary teeth, which are additional teeth that form in the dental arch, and can occur either in the primary (baby) teeth or the permanent (adult) dentition. This condition is important in dentistry as the presence of extra teeth can lead to various complications such as crowding, displacement of adjacent teeth, or difficulty in oral hygiene, which may necessitate dental intervention. In contrast, apedodontia refers to the absence of teeth, macrodontia indicates unusually large teeth, and anodontia denotes the complete absence of teeth. These terms represent different dental conditions and are not applicable to the state of having excess teeth. Thus, understanding hyperdontia provides vital insights into diagnosis and treatment planning in dental practice.