Pathology

There are many things that can go wrong when it comes to our teeth. This post describes just a few dental pathologies:

Supernumerary Teeth https://link-springer-com
.qe2a-proxy.mun.ca/content/pdf/10.1007%2F
978-3-642-36714-4.pdf

1. Hyperdontia/Supernumerary Teeth: as the name shows, this is a condition where the person grows more teeth than they are supposed to (Slootweg, 2016). These teeth may look like all the others or completely different. This condition often results in irregular eruption of the other teeth, but usually isn't a major issue unless there is a large number of extra teeth.

Concrescence https://link-springer-com.
qe2a-proxy.mun.ca/content/pdf/10.1007%
2F978-3-642-36714-4.pdf

2. Concrescence: fusion of the cementum of two or more teeth (Slootweg, 2016). The teeth appear normal in size but contain two regions of dental pulp and an excess of cementum material.  

3. Dental Caries/Cavities: a pathology that many people have likely experienced. Begins with the destruction of the enamel by microorganisms attached to the teeth. This destruction of the enamel allows enzymes to access and destroy the dentin below (Slootweg, 2016). These can be prevented with regular brushing and flossing.

Oligodontia https://link-springer-com.
qe2a-proxy.mun.ca/content/pdf/10.1007%
2F978-3-642-36714-4.pdf

4. Tooth Agenesis: congenital absence of all or many teeth, can involve the milk teeth and/or the adult. There are multiple forms including: A) anodontia - absence of all teeth, B) hypodontia - absence of 2-10 teeth or C) oligodontia where more than half the teeth are missing (Slootweg, 2016). The missing teeth are most often the molars. Tooth agenesis can be caused by a variety of factors - environmental chemicals/radiation, genetics, and can sometimes be involved with a syndrome such as Down syndrome (Slootweg, 2016).