Supernumerary teeth or hyperdontia is a common dental condition wherein extra teeth grow inside the mouth. This condition is more common in men. The teeth can appear anywhere in the mouth and are mostly found among the permanent teeth. Billing and coding for this specific dental condition can be challenging. Reliable dental billing services provided by AAPC-certified coding specialists can help in accurate and timely billing and claims submission.
The extra teeth can appear in anyone but are more often associated with people who have conditions such as Gardner’s syndrome (a rare genetic disorder), Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Cleidocranial dysplasia, Fabry disease and those born with a cleft lip and palate. If not treated properly, hyperdontia can lead to a variety of dental problems such as – tooth impaction, crowding, displacement, and misalignment of normal permanent teeth, premature closure of spaces in between the teeth, formation of oral cysts or tumors, eruption of teeth into the nasal cavity and issues with proper chewing.
Overcrowding caused by this condition can make permanent teeth look crooked, making it difficult to diagnose. In such cases, imaging tests such as dental X-ray and CT scans may be performed for a more detailed analysis of the mouth, jaw, and teeth. Treatment for this condition depends on the type and position of the supernumerary teeth and how it affects the adjacent teeth. Treatment options include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain or other treatment modalities including removal of the teeth when possible (performed under local or general anesthesia). Billing and coding services provided by a professional and reliable medical billing and coding company can help physicians use the correct codes to report diagnoses and treatments.