Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (79)
- dental injury (9)
- mouthguards (9)
- dental implants (13)
- clear aligners (2)
- orthodontics (5)
- tongue piercing (1)
- oral health (33)
- cracked tooth syndrome (1)
- pediatric dentistry (7)
- tooth wear (3)
- cosmetic dentistry (11)
- thumb sucking (2)
- root canal (1)
- nutrition (6)
- invisalign (1)
- pregnancy (4)
- teeth whitening (4)
- tooth bleaching (1)
- smoking (1)
- laser dentistry (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- medication (1)
- aspirin (1)
- braces (7)
- tooth decay (7)
- chipped teeth (2)
- brushing teeth (1)
- oral hygiene (28)
- crown (2)
- athletic mouthguards (3)
- pediatric care (1)
- blood pressure medications (1)
- medicine (1)
- bonding (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- gluten (1)
- burning mouth syndrome (4)
- tmd (2)
- tmj (2)
- jaw pain (3)
- dental anxiety (1)
- crowns (5)
- gum disease (7)
- tooth replacement (2)
- missing teeth (1)
- porcelain veneers (1)
- tooth pain (4)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- sleep apnea (3)
- snoring (3)
- wisdom teeth (6)
- artificial sweeteners (1)
- canker sores (2)
- dentures (4)
- orthodontic treatment (8)
- retainers (1)
- periodontal disease (2)
- toothpaste (1)
- veneers (2)
- mouth sores (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- toothache (2)
- ibuprofen (1)
- pain management (2)
- chipped tooth (4)
- bacteria (2)
- eating disorders (1)
- dental care (4)
- partial denture (1)
- bridge (1)
- sedation dentistry (1)
- oral sedation (1)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- bone graft (1)
- fluoride (2)
- diabetes (1)
- dental exam (2)
- bone grafting (1)
- tmj disorders (2)
- retainer (2)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- dry mouth (3)
- flossing (1)
- tooth loss (1)
- loose dentures (1)
- oral appliance (2)
- antibiotics (1)
- oral cancer (2)
- teeth grinding (2)
- dental cleanings (1)
- extraction (1)
- composite resins (1)
- dental implant (5)
- dental injuries (2)
- removable partial denture (2)
- toothbrush (1)
- bad breath (1)
- birth control (1)
Categories:

The movie Bohemian Rhapsody celebrates the iconic rock band Queen and its legendary lead vocalist, Freddie Mercury. But when we see pictures of the flamboyant singer, many fans both old and new may wonder—what made Freddie’s toothy smile look the way it did? Here’s the answer: The singer was born with four extra teeth at the back of his mouth, which caused his front teeth to be pushed forward, giving him a noticeable overbite.
The presence of extra teeth—more than 20 primary (baby) teeth or 32 adult teeth—is a relatively rare condition called hyperdontia. Sometimes this condition causes no trouble, and an extra tooth (or two) isn’t even recognized until the person has an oral examination. In other situations, hyperdontia can create problems in the mouth such as crowding, malocclusion (bad bite) and periodontal disease. That’s when treatment may be recommended.
Exactly what kind of treatment is needed? There’s a different answer for each individual, but in many cases the problem can be successfully resolved with tooth extraction (removal) and orthodontic treatment (such as braces). Some people may be concerned about having teeth removed, whether it’s for this problem or another issue. But in skilled hands, this procedure is routine and relatively painless.
Teeth aren’t set rigidly in the jawbone like posts in cement—they are actually held in place dynamically by a fibrous membrane called the periodontal ligament. With careful manipulation of the tooth, these fibers can be dislodged and the tooth can be easily extracted. Of course, you won’t feel this happening because extraction is done under anesthesia (often via a numbing shot). In addition, you may be given a sedative or anti-anxiety medication to help you relax during the procedure.
After extraction, some bone grafting material may be placed in the tooth socket and gauze may be applied to control bleeding; sutures (stitches) are sometimes used as well. You’ll receive instructions on medication and post-extraction care before you go home. While you will probably feel discomfort in the area right after the procedure, in a week or so the healing process will be well underway.
Sometimes, dental problems like hyperdontia need immediate treatment because they can negatively affect your overall health; at other times, the issue may be mainly cosmetic. Freddie Mercury declined treatment because he was afraid dental work might interfere with his vocal range. But the decision to change the way your smile looks is up to you; after an examination, we can help you determine what treatment options are appropriate for your own situation.
If you have questions about tooth extraction or orthodontics, please contact our office or schedule a consultation. You can read more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Simple Tooth Extraction” and “The Magic of Orthodontics.”