Abstract:

Objective This study aimed to investigate the complexity and anesthetic effects of the extraction of embedded supernumeraries and discuss innervation in the maxillary anterior region of differently aged individuals. Methods Data of 240 cases of embedded supernumeraries in the maxillary anterior region were collected. Cone-beam computed tomography was used to analyze the number, location, shape, and three-dimensional position of the supernumeraries. Algesthesia in the anterior region of the palate was investigated after greater palatine nerve block. The operation time and the alteration in sensation of the palatal anterior region were recorded. Results The percentage of patients who were operated from the palatal side was 79.2%. The operation time of patients aged <18 years old was shorter than that of adults. About 78% of patients aged <12 years old felt lethargic after accepting anterior palatal anesthetization following greater palatine nerveblock. As a result of surgical division of the nasopalatine nerve, nearly 58.8% of the patients produced no sensory deficit. All patients recovered well after operation. Conclusion Surgical procedures conducted on younger patients were easier than those on older patients. Among all patients(particularly the children), the great palatine nerve may play an important role in the sensation of the mucosa of the anterior hard palatine. In patients whose nasopalatine nerves were transected, the sensation of the anterior palatine gradually recovered. The recovery periods were shorter in younger patients.

Key words: embedded supernumerary tooth, anesthesia, prognosis, nasopalatine nerve