11 September, 2026Mesiodens is a type of supernumerary tooth that commonly develops around the midline of the maxilla, located between the two central incisors. It is the most common type of supernumerary tooth, with a prevalence in the population of approximately 0.15–1.9%. Meanwhile, the prevalence of supernumerary teeth in general has been reported to range from approximately 0.15–3.9%.
1. Characteristics of Mesiodens
Mesiodens is usually conical in shape or smaller in size than the adjacent incisors. In addition to the conical shape, supernumerary teeth in the maxillary anterior region may also have a tuberculate shape.
In terms of position, Mesiodens may erupt outside the dental arch or remain unerupted and impacted, and may even develop in an inverted position. The tooth is more commonly located toward the palatal side than the outer side.
Mesiodens may occur as a single tooth or in groups, and may be present unilaterally or bilaterally.
The prevalence of Mesiodens is higher in males than in females. This supernumerary tooth may also be associated with certain craniofacial abnormalities such as cleft lip, cleft palate, Gardner syndrome, and cleidocranial dysplasia.
Image of a mesiodens (supernumerary tooth) in the maxillary incisor region, erupting between the two central incisors.
2. Causes of Mesiodens Formation
The exact cause of Mesiodens formation has not yet been clearly determined. However, several factors may contribute to the development of supernumerary teeth, including:
- Excessive development of the dental lamina.
- Splitting of the tooth bud.
- Trauma to the facial or oral region.
- Genetic factors.
3. What Complications Can Mesiodens Cause?
The presence of Mesiodens may affect the eruption of the permanent incisors. The supernumerary tooth may interfere with the eruption of permanent teeth, causing the incisors to erupt late or in an abnormal position.
These changes may affect occlusion and aesthetics. In addition, Mesiodens may cause other complications such as:
- Root resorption of adjacent teeth.
- Cyst formation.
Therefore, early detection and diagnosis of Mesiodens are important in determining an appropriate treatment approach and minimizing the risk of affecting the adjacent permanent teeth.
4. Treatment of Mesiodens
Only approximately 25% of Mesiodens erupt naturally, while the remaining 75% of cases require early diagnosis and appropriate treatment decisions to prevent potential complications.
When Mesiodens is determined to pose a risk to the adjacent permanent teeth, extraction of the supernumerary tooth is one of the treatment options that may be considered.
Early detection and proper assessment of a supernumerary tooth in the maxillary anterior region allow the dentist to determine an appropriate treatment plan and minimize undesirable effects on tooth eruption, occlusion, and aesthetics.
Clinical and diagnostic images of a maxillary mesiodens.
MSc. Dr. Cao Thi Hang
