“Doctor, I have 33 teeth!”
We had just taken her full mouth x-ray also known as an OPG and were discussing her treatment options. However, the minute I mentioned the extra tooth all hell broke loose as she thought there was something wrong with her and she was going to be possessed by her aunt according to the family soothsayer. I smiled and calmed down my patient M (let’s call her that for now).
Seems odd, doesn’t it? We have been taught throughout school that children have 20 teeth. These are the infamous milk teeth that parents never really care about because, hey they will be lost anyway, right? Fast forward to adolescence where there is a lot more going on in other places besides the mouth which is also developing. By 18 to 24 years of age, we gain all our BATTISI (32 teeth).
“All that is cool doctor. Thank you for the biology lesson, says M. However, that still doesn’t explain why my aunt is hell bent on possessing me with this extra tooth? I will have to go to the temple and perform special pooja for her soul to find peace and leave me alone”, said M woefully. “That will not be required”, I said. Hear me out. In some patients there are genetic alterations that lead to development of extra teeth in the mouth. Sometimes these teeth are visible and often they remain hidden within the jaw bones never to be found unless a smart dentist decides to take a full mouth x-ray. This is essential however, as it helps us to diagnose if any further complications arise in your treatment and allows us to plan accordingly.
In M’s case, the tooth was right at the back of her mouth, we dentists lovingly call it a “para-molar”. Since it was all the way at the back of the mouth and it was difficult for her to clean, we considered extraction, which she readily agreed to. 15 minutes later, smiling through a cotton pack in her mouth M mumbled,” Thank you doctor. I’m sure my aunt will rest in peace now knowing that my oral health is in good hands.”