Comparison of surgical techniques for extraction of impacted or retained mesiodens: A literature review

Abstract

Introduction Mesiodens are the prevalent type of supernumerary teeth and are found in 0.15% to 1.9% of the population [1]. Mesiodens can alter both occlusion and appearance by altering the eruption path and the position of the permanent incisors. They can also lead to crowding, midline diastema, root resorption of the adjacent teeth, and cyst formation [2,3]. When a supernumerary tooth leads to symptoms, clinical signs, or disrupts orthodontic treatment, it becomes essential to remove the tooth. Identifying impacted mesiodens by inspection and palpation is difficult, so computer tomography and panoramic radiography most of the time are modalities in first detection of mesiodens [4]. In cases of tooth extraction, it is important to carefully choose a surgical technique that minimizes invasiveness, aiming to prevent damage to the root of adjacent teeth.