Health information to help you understand symptoms. It isn't a diagnosis.About OwieClear
Check symptoms

Missing or extra teeth

Also called: Missing teeth, extra teeth, hypodontia, hyperdontia, supernumerary teeth

Some people are born missing adult teeth (often wisdom teeth or side front teeth) or have extra teeth. Dentists can fill gaps or remove extra teeth so the bite works well.

Missing teethAbout 1 in 20 people
Extra teethOften between front teeth
TreatmentBraces, bridges, implants, removal

Overview

Missing teeth often run in families. Many missing teeth can be part of a genetic condition.

Extra teeth can block other teeth from coming in.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Missing or extra teeth

Less common

  • Gaps
  • Crowding
  • Bite problems

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayTooth pain or face swelling.
See a doctor soonAdult teeth not coming in on time.

Causes

Genes.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
  • It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Family history

Diagnosis

Dental X-rays find them.

Questions you may be asked

  • Family history

The exam

Mouth exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Dental X-rays:

Treatment

Plan with your dentist.

Self-care

  • Keep baby teeth healthy if no adult tooth is coming
  • See an orthodontist for spacing

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

  • There is no known way to prevent it. Early checkups help find it sooner.

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your dentist.

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people can go back to school or work the same day or the next day.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Children: Most planning happens in the teen years.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Very fixable.

Implants and bridges work well.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • What are the options?
  • When should treatment start?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Missing or extra teeth

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.