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Overgrown Cheek Teeth
The maxillary cheek teeth naturally curve outwards, and the mandibular cheek teeth
inwards. As the crown overgrows normal wear is compromised and tooth curvature is
enhanced, creating spikes. The natural curvature of the teeth is such that spikes on the
maxillary cheek teeth traumatise the cheeks, and those on the mandibular teeth lacerate
the tongue. This is painful and hinders both chewing and swallowing.
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| Healthy Cheek Teeth |
Overgrown Cheek Teeth |
Continued apical tooth growth despite
restriction of eruption by increased occlusal pressure causes displacement of the growing
apex back into the tooth socket and remodelling of surrounding tissue.
Apical extension
of the maxillary roots can result in their protrusion into the nasal chamber or behind the
eye and swellings on the maxillary zygomtatic process.
Similarly changes at the mandibular cheek tooth roots result in palpable swellings on the
ventral surface of the mandibular bone. Abcessation of the cheeks is common. |
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