Comparative Histological Analysis of Normal and Supernumerary Teeth: Clinical and Morphological Implications

Abstract

This study aims to highlight the histological differences between normal (temporary and permanent) teeth and supernumerary teeth by analyzing enamel, the pulpo-dentin complex, and cementum. Through comparative microscopy of prepared histological slides, the research identifies microstructural peculiarities that may support a better understanding of the development, diagnosis, and management of dental number anomalies.
This study involved histological analysis of 12 permanent preparations obtained from supernumerary, temporary, and permanent teeth, aiming to highlight the microstructural differences between normal and supernumerary dentition. Clinical cases and laboratory protocols, including decalcification, paraffin embedding, microtomy, and hematoxylin-eosin staining, allowed detailed observation of enamel prism organization, dentin tubule arrangement, and cementum characteristics. Histological comparison revealed that supernumerary teeth exhibit significant structural deviations, including atypical enamel prism orientation, reduced dentinal tubule density with frequent interglobular spaces, and a poorly differentiated cementum. These anomalies suggest incomplete mineralization and altered tissue development, potentially linked to the frequent impaction and limited functional integration of supernumerary teeth. Supernumerary teeth, although not pathological entities per se, can disrupt the harmony of the dento-maxillary system, affecting eruption, bone development, and dental aesthetics. Histologically, they exhibit morpho-structural hypodifferentiation, with disorganized enamel, reduced dentinal tubules, and imprecise cementum stratification, indicating a lower functional potential. These findings support the importance of histological evaluation in treatment planning and justify a conservative, individualized therapeutic approach based on both structural integrity and functional prognosis.