A survey on supernumerary molars

The conteomporary literature concerning the etiology, frequency, and classification of supernumerary teeth, specifically molars, is reviewed in this article. Also, methods for their early detection, as well as the prognosis and treatment of supernumerary molars, are discussed. Eight cases at the University of Athens and 105 others obtained from the literature were subjected to statistical analysis to examine sexual dimorphism and the position, impactions, and bilateral presence of supernumerary molars. Supernumerary molars occurred more frequently in the maxilla (79.7%), often were impacted (88.7%), and were found bilaterally 23.9% of the time. No great difference was found between the sexes in the frequency of supernumerary molars.