Your dentist takes an X-ray and spots something unusual — a small, extra tooth wedged right between your two upper front teeth. That's a mesiodens.
A mesiodens is the most common type of supernumerary tooth. It grows in the midline of the upper jaw, between the two central incisors. Most are small and cone-shaped, but they vary in size and shape.
How Common Is It?
Mesiodens is not rare. It appears in roughly 1 to 3 percent of the population. It affects boys more often than girls. Most cases involve a single extra tooth, though having two mesiodens is possible, if uncommon.
Many people with a mesiodens never know they have it. It may stay hidden under the gum or roof of the mouth. Dentists often find them by accident during a routine X-ray.
What Problems Can It Cause?
A mesiodens can prevent the adult front teeth from erupting properly. The extra tooth takes up space and blocks the normal teeth from coming through. This can lead to delayed eruption, crowding, or teeth coming through in the wrong position.
In some cases, the mesiodens points upside down, with its root facing upward toward the nose. It might even remain completely buried and cause no issues at all.
But when problems do occur, they usually show up in childhood — around age seven or eight, when the front teeth should be erupting.
How Does the Dentist Find It?
A mesiodens is typically spotted on a dental X-ray. If your child is due for a check-up and the dentist suspects an extra tooth, they may recommend an OPG or periapical X-ray to get a clearer picture.
Early detection is important. The sooner the dentist knows about it, the better they can plan what to do next.
What Treatment Is Needed?
Not every mesiodens needs to be removed. If it's buried deep and causing no problems, your dentist may simply keep an eye on it with regular X-rays.
If it is causing problems — like blocking an adult tooth — removal is usually recommended. The procedure is straightforward and most children recover quickly. In some cases, orthodontic treatment is needed afterward to straighten any teeth that were pushed out of position.
Book a Consultation
If your child's front teeth seem slow to come through, or if your dentist has mentioned a mesiodens, book a consultation. We'll take an X-ray, explain what's happening, and talk through the best options for your child.
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice